The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, during his two-days visit to Nigeria, told Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria, that France can’t fix the country’s problem.
Macron stated that Africans plan not foreign plan is the best solution to Africa’s problems.
He also urged youth to partake in politics stating that is the only way the new Africa can be sold to the world.
The French President, on his visit to Nigeria, was received by Nigeria President before heading to Lagos where he was at the popular New Afrika Shrine, a place he described as ‘iconic’.
Speaking on terrorism and insurgency in the Nigeria and the African continent, Macron promised that France would continue to render her support to ensure Africa is free from terrorist and religious extremist.
Macron said, “First of all, I think the main plan is an African plan and France is not the one to solve or fix African situations. So, what we want to do is that we will intervene and maintain our presence in Africa and Sahel to fight against terrorism especially in Mali and in the region.”
Macron, 40, stressed that African governments need to come together if they are to keep terrorist and jihadist off the continent.
He, however, promised that France would continue to support Mali and countries in the region including the Sahel as he remains optimistic that terrorism can be defeated in Africa in few months.
“We can fix the situation in the coming months and obviously France will remain present in Mali for as long as they want it.”
“But when I look at the past months, we have increased our resource and delivered concrete results in northern and western Mali which for me give positive outcomes,” Macron expressed.
Speaking at the New Afrika Shrine, Macron asserted that Nigerians are the only person who can change the opinions other countries have of them. He added that youths have a big role to play in ensuring that is possible advising them to be actively involved in politics.
“Africa needs a new generation of Africans to share the new narrative about Africa all over the world,” he said.
Noting the importance of the Shrine, Macron hinted that it was a place used by legendary musician, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, to influence a better society and politics of the country.
He stated, “I am very happy to be here.
“Let me remind you that this place 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.”
Macron announced the 2020 African cultures season in France, stating it would help in creating a unique face for African culture in Europe.
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