News:
The German Consul General to Lagos, Mr. Weert Borner, has cautioned West African leaders against forging alliances with Russia, urging them to carefully consider the implications for peace, security, and regional stability.
Speaking at the International Conference on ECOWAS at 50, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, on Tuesday, Borner specifically warned Sahel countries relying on Russia for defense support through the so-called Africa Corps. He stressed that Russia’s engagement in the region is driven not by genuine respect or interest in the development of African nations, but by strategic power and resource control.
“Do not regard Russia under President Putin as a reliable partner for peace and stability in the region,” Borner said. He emphasized that Russia’s influence is largely motivated by a desire to control resource allocation rather than support sustainable development.
Borner highlighted that the former Wagner mercenaries, now operating in several African countries including parts of West Africa as the Africa Corps, are directly controlled by the Russian Ministry of Defence in Moscow. He noted the absence of any impactful Russian projects in West Africa that benefit the wellbeing of its people.
Amid ongoing pressures on ECOWAS following the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and rising challenges of terrorism, banditry, and organized crime, Borner contrasted Germany’s approach with Russia’s. The German government has committed €500 million toward projects aimed at addressing the root causes of instability in the region.
“Our support for ECOWAS includes mediation and crisis prevention, training for peacekeeping units across military, police, and civil personnel, and technical assistance for cybersecurity partnerships,” Borner explained. He further noted Germany’s financing of multiple programs to enhance stability and governance, particularly in fragile ECOWAS areas.
On energy and healthcare infrastructure, Borner detailed Germany’s consultation and funding of seven regional energy projects within ECOWAS, alongside initiatives to improve medical laboratory infrastructure and family planning services.
Marija Peran, Resident Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Nigeria, urged ECOWAS to deepen integration and strengthen economic governance. She lamented persistent regional threats including political instability, terrorism, and transnational crime, emphasizing the need for renewed commitment to unity and security in the next 50 years.
Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, expressed optimism that ECOWAS will overcome its current challenges within the next decade. He praised former leaders, including Gen. Yakubu Gowon and the late President Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo, for establishing ECOWAS as a key platform for regional integration.
The conference was attended by notable dignitaries such as former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, ex-Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Lagos State Secretary Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, 2023 SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo, and other prominent figures.
