The US promises Nigeria a Robust Security Alliance

While visiting Nigeria, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is touring four African nations, spoke with President Bola Tinubu on security concerns in the West African region.

Washington, according to Mr. Blinken, is committed to continuing to be a “strong security partner for Nigeria” while the two partners combat Islamist militants in the area.

Growing violence has also been observed in Nigeria’s north and capital, Abuja, as armed gangs attack towns and kidnap locals in exchange for ransom.

As a result of military takeovers in four of the fifteen member Ecowas regional bloc, countries in the Sahel region have experienced increasing levels of instability.

While on his tour, which does not include any of the nations that have recently had coups, Mr. Blinken talked about the difficulties facing the region’s democracy.

Earlier on Tuesday, while in Abidjan, Mr. Blinken commended President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast for his intentions to counter extremism in the northern regions that border the Sahel.

The US has been working hard to maintain its sway over Africa despite fierce challenges from China and Russia.