Nigeria’s Tinubu Courts Macron In France

By Semafor Africa Photos: Semafor\YouTube Screenshots Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Thursday began a state visit to France aimed at “strengthening political, economic and cultural relations” with the country. Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron will discuss finance, solid minerals, trade, and investments during the three-day visit, Nigeria’s presidency said. Nigeria is France’s top trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, say French officials. And France was among Nigeria’s top five export destinations in the last quarter of 2023, accounting for a 6% share, according to Nigeria’s statistics office. Some analysts see the visit as part of Macron’s Angolophone pivot in search of new African allies. France’s influence in the subregion has waned in recent years. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — former French colonies — have severed military ties with Paris, forging partnerships with Russia. Popular sentiment in the subregion has also turned against France’s economic and business interests in its former colonies. The post Nigeria’s Tinubu Courts Macron In France appeared first on Black Star News.