Germany has warned Nigeria and other West African countries against relying on Russia for peace, security, and development, describing Moscow’s involvement in the region as self-serving and dangerous.
The German Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Weert Borner, issued this warning on Tuesday at the International Conference on ECOWAS at 50, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos.
Borner specifically advised Sahel countries — including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — to be wary of deepening ties with Russia, especially under its so-called “Africa Corps”, which he claimed is simply a continuation of the Wagner mercenary group. He said these operations are directly coordinated by Russia’s Ministry of Defence, with no real commitment to the region’s peace or development.
“Do not regard Russia under President Putin as a reliable partner on peace and stability in the region,” Borner warned. “Putin’s Russia is playing a power and resource game without respect for the true interests of any African country.”
The diplomat noted that Russia has no significant development project in West Africa that benefits local people. He accused Moscow of using Africa only as a tool to extend its influence and control resources.
In contrast, Borner highlighted Germany’s long-term commitment to the region, which includes €500 million in funding for projects tackling terrorism, insecurity, and development challenges. He added that Germany is supporting ECOWAS in mediation, conflict prevention, cybersecurity, and peacekeeping training for military, police, and civilian units.
Germany is also financing seven regional energy infrastructure projects, as well as medical laboratory and family planning services across West Africa.
The conference was part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States. Participants reflected on the regional body’s journey and current challenges, including terrorism, banditry, unconstitutional changes in government, and poor economic integration.
Resident Representative of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Nigeria, Marija Peran, urged ECOWAS to pursue deeper regional cooperation and stronger democratic institutions. She warned that economic imbalance, insecurity, and stalled efforts toward a single currency are threatening the future of the bloc.
She called for a renewed commitment to the dreams of ECOWAS’s founding fathers — a reference made by several speakers, including the Director-General of the NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae.
Prof. Osaghae expressed optimism that ECOWAS would overcome its current challenges. He praised founding leaders like Nigeria’s Gen. Yakubu Gowon and the late Togolese President Gnassingbé Eyadéma for their vision in establishing ECOWAS as a model for African regional integration.
Dignitaries at the event included Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Foreign Affairs Ministers Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), Lagos SSG Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and 2023 SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
