Tackling Insecurity: Buhari asks US to relocate AFRICOM HQ to Africa

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has asked United States to reconsider relocating US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Stuttgart, Germany, to Africa, so it can support Nigeria in tackling the insecurity challenges bedeviling the country.

President Buhari made this request on Tuesday during a virtual meeting with the US Secretary of State, Mr. Anthony Blinken.

He requested that AFRICOM, which partners with countries to counter transnational threats, should be relocated to Africa to strengthen ongoing efforts to check the security situation, with likely effect on other nations.

The President said, “The security challenges in Nigeria remain of great concern to us and impacted more negatively, by existing complex negative pressures in the Sahel, Central, and West Africa, as well as the Lake Chad Region.

“Compounded as the situation remains, Nigeria and her security forces remain resolutely committed to containing them and addressing their root causes. The support of important and strategic partners like the United States cannot be overstated as the consequences of insecurity will affect all nations hence the imperative for concerted cooperation and collaboration of all nations to overcome these challenges.

“In this connection, and considering the growing security challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel, weighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the United States to consider re-locating AFRICOM Headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa and near the Theatre of Operation”.

President  Buhari assured that Nigeria will enhance collaborations in all forms, with friends and strategic partners, to work together for greater security for all, which he noted remains the most significant condition for overcoming the existential challenges.