The United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, has stated that they have military presence in Nigeria because they were invited.
AFRICOM noted that their presence is based on respect for Nigeria’s independence and shared interests, and is possible due to an agreement between the two nations.
This was stated by Col Rebecca Heyse, the Director of Public Affairs at AFRICOM, during a discussion on X Space on Tuesday.
She said that the US and Nigeria work together based on mutual agreement, not force.
Heyse emphasized that the US and Nigeria’s partnership is voluntary.
“Our operations and cooperation with Nigeria are based on respect for Nigerian sovereignty. We only operate with their invitation and under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework,” she said.
Heyse added that the US will keep supporting the partnership as long as both countries find it helpful.
“As long as there are common security concerns and the framework still helps both nations, the US will stay committed to the partnership,” she explained.
Premium TImes
Business Day
This Day
Punch Nigeria
The Guardian Football
Daily Post