German Consul General to Lagos, Mr. Weert Borner, has cautioned leaders of West African countries against partnering with Russia for peace, security, and stability in their countries.

The German Consul stated this in his remarks at the International Conference on ECOWAS at 50 held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos on Tuesday.

He particularly warned Sahel countries relying on Russia for their defence, in Africa Corps, noting that the relationship was not driven by true interests and respect for their countries.

Rather, Borner said Russia was playing a ?Power and Resource? game aimed at having the ability to influence and control the allocation and distribution of resources.

He argued that the lack of sincere interest in the development of African countries is epitomised by the fact that Russia had no concrete, impactful project in West Africa.

?Do not regard Russia under President Putin as a reliable partner on peace and stability in the region.

?From Russia?s direct neighbourhood to various parts of Africa, Putin?s Russia is playing a power and resource game without respect for the true interests of the respective country or region.

?The former Wagner mercenaries are now acting in several African countries, including parts of West Africa, as so-called Africa Corps, directly guided by the Russian Ministry of Defence in Moscow. I do not know of any concrete Russian project in West Africa that can have a positive impact on the well-being of West Africa?s nations and people,? Borner said.

The Consul General noted that the ECOWAS remained under high pressure following the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, apart from the issues of terrorism, banditry and organised crime across the region.

As against Russia, he said the German Federal Government?s commitment to addressing the root causes of terrorism and instability in the ECOWAS countries can be seen in a budget of ?500 for various projects in the region.

He added that the German government supported the ECOWAS Commission in mediation and crisis prevention.

We are offering training for peace-keeping units, both for military, police and civil personnel. We are co-financing and offering technical support for an ECOWAS partnership for cybersecurity.

?We are financing several programmes for enhancing stability and good governance in specifically fragile areas of the ECOWAS region,? he added.

Specifically, Borner said Germany is consulting and financing seven regional energy infrastructure projects within ECOWAS, contributing to improving medical laboratory infrastructure and family planning services in the region.

Resident Representative of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Nigeria, Marija Peran, called on ECOWAS to deepen regional integration, security, and economic governance over the next 50 years.

She lamented the persistent threats of political instability, terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, insecurity, and transnational crime across the region.

?Economic asymmetry between nations threatens the principles of equitable growth. The elusive dream of a single currency remains hampered by structural hurdles. Political instability and unconstitutional changes of government continue to test the democratic fabric of ECOWAS. And perhaps most pressing, the scourge of insecurity?terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crimes?casts a long shadow over our collective progress.

?In this defining moment, let us invoke the spirit of the founding fathers?not merely in reverence but in renewed purpose. The next 50 years should be defined by deeper economic integration, reinforced political cohesion, and an unwavering commitment to security and prosperity for every West African citizen,? she said.

Director-General of the NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, expressed hope that ECOWAS would overcome its current challenges within the next decade, noting that the body had built resilience over time.

He praised Gen. Yakubu Gowon and the late President Gnassingb? Eyad?ma of Togo for setting up the ECOWAS as a reference point for regional integration.

Dignitaries at the event included former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; 2023 Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo; former Foreign Affairs Minister, Major Gen Ike Nwachukwu (retd); Mrs. Erelu Dosumu-Abiola; Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Abubakar Audi; Prof. Olawale Albert; and Prof Bola Akinterinwa. (The PUNCH)

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