French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his planned state visit to Nigeria on October 28 and 29 as protests and unrest intensify in France.
A French presidential source confirmed the postponement on Friday, citing widespread demonstrations and unrest across the country.
France has witnessed protests in recent weeks over the rising cost of living, public services and school conditions. Demonstrations on October 17 reportedly turned violent in several cities, with buildings set ablaze and shops looted.
French authorities are preparing for another wave of protests on Saturday.
A Nigerian official familiar with the development also confirmed the postponement, saying the situation in France made the trip untenable.
Also Read: Macron calms protesters, vows looters will pay
“A president will not travel when his home is contending with internal combustion,” the official said.
Macron’s visit was expected to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and France, particularly in trade, energy, security and investment.
In November 2024, Macron hosted President Bola Tinubu on a three-day state visit to France, where the two leaders discussed finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communications, among other areas.
Macron, who has maintained close ties with Tinubu since 2023, was expected to build on the agreements reached during that visit.
His second and final presidential term is scheduled to end in May 2027.
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