On the left is, Colonel Assimi Goïta, a Malian military officer serving as President of Mali since 24 May 2021, after a military junta that led to the overthrow of former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in 2020. On the right is, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya who began serving as interim president of Guinea on October 1, 2021, following a coup on September 5, 2021, that led to the ousting of President Alpha Condé.
President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria is ready to extend a helping hand to South Sudan towards political and economic stability.
In a bilateral meeting with President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, the president assured the full support of Nigeria to all efforts to bring long-term stability and prosperity to the continent.
Stressing the need for co-operation among developing countries, President Buhari said investments in education, an improved economy, and healthcare will lead to significant achievements.
On the situation in Guinea and Mali, President Buhari reiterated that African leaders must support efforts geared towards the return of democracy in the countries.
The President expressed concern that as long as Libya remained unstable, the proliferation of arms and the problems in the Sahel would continue.
President Kiir, who acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, appreciated the country’s effort in the liberation struggle of South Sudan.
He also commended the First Lady of Nigeria for assisting in the education of many South Sudanese girls in the country.
President Buhari and President Kiir were among several African leaders that attended the inauguration ceremony of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia for a second 5-year term in office.
Reporting by Bello Wakili/Abdullah Bello; editing by Muzha Kucha