The Nation Newspaper

Tag: French President

  • Cheerful French President visits Olympics Village

    Cheerful French President visits Olympics Village

    President Emmanuel Macron said that France was ready to host the Paris Olympics as he visited the Athletes’ Village four days before the Games begin.

     “We are ready and we will be ready throughout the Games,” Macron said. “We have been working on these Games for years now and we are at the start of a decisive week which on Friday will see the opening ceremony and then the Olympiad which will be held in Paris, 100 years since the last one.”

    He added: “This is the fruit of an immense amount of work which has profoundly changed the country, in particular the area” of Seine-Saint-Denis, where the Athletes’ Village is situated.

    International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach also visited the Village to the north of the French capital, where thousands of athletes and officials are arriving, with up to 14,500 expected there at the peak of the Games.

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    Comprising 40 different low-rise housing blocks, the complex has been built by employing innovative construction techniques using low-carbon concrete, water recycling and reclaimed building materials.

    It was also intended to be free of air-conditioning with a natural cooling system, but some Olympic delegations are unconvinced and have ordered around 2,500 portable cooling units for their athletes.

    Seine-Saint-Denis, where the main athletics stadium for the Olympics is also situated, is the poorest area in France and is hoping to reap benefits from the sports extravaganza.

  • Boko Haram: Stop sponsoring terrorism in Africa, protesters tell Macron

     

    The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism (MAST) has cautioned France President, Emmanuel Macron, to stop sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria and other African nations.

     

    The Pan-African group made their voices heard on Wednesday at the end of a one-day walk to the French embassy in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital city.

     

    The visibly frustrated Africans, numbering in their hundreds demanded that the French authorities must end ties with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists which it has routinely armed.

     

    Addressing the media in front of the French consulate, convener, Princess Ajibola said the mission was to get Macron’s attention that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and any attempt to compromise its territorial integrity would be resisted.

     

    According to madam Ajibola, the group has overwhelming evidence to back its claim that the European nation is indeed behind the recent upsurge in terrorism in the country.

     

    The group reckoned the French action is born out of greed – hinged on economic benefits owing to the avalanche of economic resources in the North-East, particularly the Lake Chad Basin region.

     

    The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism, therefore, warned the French authorities to desist from further mischief which has undermined the remarkable gains of the Nigerian Army.

     

    The group also called the attention of the United Nations to the crime against humanity being perpetrated by Macron.

     

    Read full address below:

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    This is a protest for the rescue of the soul of our dear country Nigeria from the forces of evil that have attempted to cause disharmony and disintegration by covertly sponsoring the activities of terrorists in Nigeria.

     

    We embarked on this protest march to send a powerful message to the French authorities that Nigerians are indeed aware of its nefarious activities with regards to the ongoing war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria.

     

    The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism as a civil society organization decided to take our protest to the French Embassy in Abuja, so the message could be relayed to the French Authorities wherever they are that Nigeria is indeed a sovereign country and as such any form or attempt to compromise our territorial integrity would be resisted wholeheartedly.

     

    Since 2015 when the present administration assumed leadership of this country, there has been tremendous progress recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group. So much so that Nigerian troops captured their operational headquarters (Camp Zero) in Sambisa forest to the glory of God.

     

    It didn’t stop there; the Nigerian troops also recaptured the over 16 local government areas in North-East Nigeria that were once under the control of Boko Haram terrorists. By and large, the Boko Haram group was decimated and fled in their droves to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region, from where they launch an attack on soft target communities within that vicinity.

     

    We are aware that some vested interest was not happy with the gains made by Nigeria in the fight against terrorism. As such, they began providing logistic support under humanitarian cover to the Boko Haram fighters.

     

    They also assumed the role of the mouthpiece of the Boko Haram terrorist group. They used their state medium to promote their nefarious activities and to give them the needed psychological boost.

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    The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism wishes to state in unequivocal terms that France is indeed responsible for the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria in recent times because there is overwhelming evidence that it has been selling arms and ammunitions to the Boko Haram terrorist group. These arms come into the country through the francophone countries.

     

    We also wish to send this message to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, that what France is doing under his watch is indeed a crime against humanity. As such, it must, as a matter of urgency, desist from spreading terrorism in Nigeria and the African countries.

     

    The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism sees the actions of France as an assault on our sovereignty as a country. This is indeed despicable and must be condemned by all and sundry.

     

    We are also aware that the actions of France are hinged on economic benefits given the avalanche of economic resources in North-East Nigeria, particularly the Lake Chad Basin region.

     

    This is indeed an attempt at recolonization, which by all standards is puerile and won’t stand the test of time because Nigerians would resist every move with passion.

     

    The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is by this protest asking the French authorities to desist from their evil ways or face the full wrath of Nigerians who are ever ready to protect the sovereignty of the country.

     

    The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is also by this protest informing the relevant authorities in Nigeria to act in the best interest of Nigeria as it would indeed be a slap on our faces should we allow France to carry on with its destabilization plot on Nigeria.

     

    The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is also calling on the United Nations to investigate the role of France in the spread of terrorism in Nigeria and Africa.

     

    France must also stop the sale of Arms and Ammunition to the Boko Haram terrorist group in the interest of peace and tranquility. This is on the heels that the bulk of the French NGOs operating in North-East Nigeria are carrying out espionage activities and passing the same to the leadership of the Boko Haram terrorist group on the instruction of French authorities.

     

    The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism is indeed saying enough is enough, and France must stop the distasteful support it has been extending to the Boko Haram terrorist group in Nigeria, which is aimed at making Nigeria erupt in flames.

     

    The Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism wishes to inform the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, that the world is indeed watching closely and should the French authorities not halt the spread of terrorism in Nigeria, the day of reckoning is indeed near.

     

  • Macron resurrects Fela

    Sometimes visitors point the way. That may well be the main lesson to draw from French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nigeria. It was a visit of various flavours: diplomacy, politics, economics, security, business and culture. In the end, Macron’s celebration of culture was the biggest attraction.

    It is interesting that Macron was attracted to the New Afrika Shrine at Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, an unlikely attraction for a visiting president. Regarded as the home of Afrobeat, the Afrika Shrine was originally founded by the late music legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, but was rebuilt at another site and renamed New Afrika Shrine by his son, Femi Kuti, who is also a music star in his own right.

    Macron’s historic visit to the nightspot, the first by a president, was the stuff of news.Not surprisingly, stigmatised because of its marijuana-smoking crowd and its hedonistic devotees, the shrine was a no-go area to leaders until Macron rewrote the narrative.

    He recalled his stint as a diplomatic worker in Nigeria in the early 2000s: ”I discovered Nigeria and I discovered Lagos and I discovered the shrine. This place is an iconic place and it is a place where the best of music is given…the shrine is a cultural hub, an iconic hub and is very important for me first on a personal level, and that is why I want to say with a lot of humility that I recognise the importance of this place; I recognise the place of culture…”

    Macron’s portrait of the shrine resurrected Fela. By showing that he is a friend of the shrine, Macron endorsed music that speaks truth to power. There is no doubt that Fela’s death in 1997 meant that a critical progressive voice had gone. He was not just a musical idol but a protester with a sense of mission. His unapologetic activism on the side of the people was daring and defiant; and he was willing to pay the price for his anti-establishment campaign. Music was indeed a weapon for him, and he used it against the enemies of progress with all the potency of a visionary iconoclast.

    Macron’s positive memories of the cultural spot and his definition of its significance should prompt a rethink by the country’s leaders. It is noteworthy that he also highlighted the African Cultural Season 2020, which is expected to be hosted by France and organised by Africans. His participation in a skit at the shrine alongside some of Nollywood’s best was a measure of his cultural enthusiasm.

    Ahead of the shrine visit on July 3, President Muhammadu Buhari and Macron had met at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for talks on security and terrorism. It is positive that two major development projects are on the front burner as a result of their meeting. The signing of a letter of intent for the financing of the urban mobility improvement programme initiated by the Lagos State Government will enhance development. The deal involves the equivalent of $200m loan to be provided by the French Development Agency (AFD) to the Federal Government.

    The project seeks to develop eight priority bus corridors connected to the mass transit network (urban train and high-level service bus with a total length of 41 kilometres) in the country’s most urbanised state. This project is expected to contribute to the megacity’s sustainable urban development through the operation of a public transport network combining quality service, efficiency, accessibility, reliability, safety, reduction of polluting emissions and socio-economic and financial sustainability.

    In addition, the two leaders witnessed the signing of an agreement involving $75m to improve water supply in Kano city. This project, to be financed with an AFD loan to the Federal Government, targets the rehabilitation and densification of the network and rehabilitation of the main water production facilities.

    Macron found the time to interact with over 2,000 promising entrepreneurs from Africa, who are alumni of the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme. Macron’s participation reflected his recognition that African entrepreneurs are important to the continent’s desired economic transformation. The country’s leaders should do more to promote entrepreneurship in a world that is laying increasing emphasis on the role of the private sector in development.

    It was at the New Afrika Shrine that Macron made his most striking remarks in connection with development. It was a befitting setting. Macron observed:  ”Africa needs a new generation of Africans to share the new narrative about Africa all over the world… Let me remind you that this place – Shrine – is a music place as well as politics, which is needed to change the society. So, I will say to the youths, politics is important, be involved.” This is food for thought for the country‘s youths, particularly considering the May signing of the Not Too Young To Run Bill by President Buhari.

    Forty-year-old Macron, who himself made the headlines in May 2017 when he became the youngest president in the history of France, displayed energy and enthusiasm for development that should inspire Nigeria’s leaders. Indeed, Macron was here.

     

  • I have memories of Fela Shrine, says French President

    French President Emmaneul Macron has explained why he visited the Fela Shrine last night as part of his official trip to the country.

    President Macron, who worked at the French Embassy in Nigeria in 2004, told reoporters during a joint briefing with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja:  “First, because I wanted to find a good occasion to come back there. I know the place and I have some memories, I have to confess at a time that there was no President around; I hope I will not spoil the party.

    “I think that is such an iconic place for a lot of African people and African culture. And I think very often when you speak of the African culture in Europe, those who succeed in Europe and in France, which is different most of the times, are not dramatically very famous in Nigeria or in Africa.

    “And there is a bias because you know people are absolutely not the same. I mean Fela, Femi, Seun Kuti are obviously very famous in France and Europe, I mean they are big successes but the Shrine is a cultural hub, an iconic hub and it is very important for me on a personal level, and that is why I want to say with a lot of humility that I recognise the importance of this place, I recognise the place of culture in this current environment,” he said.

    The President added: “When you speak about new equilibriums about potential conflicts between cultures but ability to build a common project among different cultures, about migration and counter-terrorism, relaunching agriculture, you speak about Nigeria. And that is a sort of a small Africa.

  • Lagos diverts traffic as French President visis Fela’s shrine

    The Lagos State Government yesterday said there would be traffic diversion and restricted movement from 12 noon to 12 midnight on July 3 around Alausa, the African Shrine and Agidingbi axis in Ikeja.

    It said the measure became necessary to pave the way for a hitch-free reception for  France President Emmanuel Macron.

    The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Transportation Taiwo Salaam appealed for the understanding of residents and urged motorists to make use of alternative routes.

    He said: “While we regret the inconvenience that this might cause the public, especially those who live and work in the area, we appeal that you kindly bear with us during this period and make use of the alternative routes provided.’’

    Macron is expected to be hosted by the state government at the African Shrine tomorrow.

    He would also be attending the opening of the French Cultural Centre and the African Business Forum.

  • French president, African leaders meet on al-Qaida, Boko Haram

    French president, African leaders meet on al-Qaida, Boko Haram

    President Emmanuel Macron of France is meeting West African leaders today in Mali to discuss support for a new 5,000-strong multinational force meant to counter a growing threat from terror groups including Boko Haram and al-Qaida.

    Heads of state from five nations across Africa’s vast Sahel region have called for a new regional force after terrorists targeted tourist resorts and other high-profile areas in the region especially in Mali.

    The visit is Macron’s second to Mali in a month and a half which defines his hard-stand against terrorism especially those linked to al-Qaida in the region.

    The U.N. Security Council last month approved the deployment of the new force with troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Niger and Chad after at least five people were killed in an attack on a Mali resort popular with foreigners.

    Reports suggest that funding of the new force meant to be operational in the next few months will be the major focus of the meeting.

    On inauguration, the new force will operate in the region along with a 12,000-strong U.N peacekeeping mission in Mali which has been adjudged the deadliest in the world.

    It is believed that European countries, including Germany as well as U.S., will contribute to the establishment of the new force as Macron announces on Sunday his support for the force, both financial and in terms of equipment.

    Terror attacks have grown out of proportion in Mali which led to a French-led intervention that drove out Islamic extremists from strongholds in northern Mali in 2013, but the extremists have continued targeting peacekeepers and other forces.

    Unfortunately aid group “Doctors Without Borders” announced on Thursday it was suspending activities in northern Mali’s Kidal region because of security concerns.

    Extremist groups Ansar Dine, Al-Mourabitoun and al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, declared in March that they had merged into Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen.

    The development caused more panic in the region with the call for the new force.

     

  • Hollande calls for UN resolution against Islamic State

    Hollande calls for UN resolution against Islamic State

    French President, Francois Hollande, on Monday called on the UN Security Council to meet and adopt a resolution against the Islamic State.

    The resolution should express the determination of the international community to fight against Islamic terrorism, Hollande said.

    He said that the objective should not be to contain, but to destroy the Islamic State.

    The call became necessary as Islamic State claimed responsibility of November 13 attack of bloody wave of bombings and shootings across Paris that left nearly 130 people dead and about 350 injured.