German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) talked on Wednesday with President Bola Tinubu of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, spokesperson Stefan Kornelius announced. During the call the two leaders discussed the situation in the region. Merz pledged that Germany would continue to back Nigeria in its stabilization efforts.
Kornelius added that the chancellor praised the “long‑lasting and close relationship” between the two countries. Both heads of state agreed to deepen their economic cooperation further.
Nigeria is a political and economic heavyweight in West Africa and plays a central role in ECOWAS. The country is split between a predominantly Muslim north and a predominantly Christian south. In the north, attacks by armed Islamist groups Boko Haram and ISWAP are frequent. After the US air force launched strikes against these groups in December, the United States deployed an additional 100 soldiers to Nigeria on Tuesday to help local forces. They are to provide support but are not expected to engage in direct combat.