Battle Line Drawn: Foreign President Arrives Nigeria, Promises To Help Combat Boko Haram

Two days after Boko Haram's brutal attack on a Federal Government College in Yobe state, French President François Hollande arrived in the Nigeria as guest of honour for the centennial celebrations.

François Hollande and President Jonathan

Speaking on Thursday at a security conference in Abuja ahead of Nigeria’s centenary celebrations, Hollande promised Nigeria support in the battle against Islamist group Boko Haram, warning that such promise could be 'impeded by insecurity.'

"Your struggle is also our struggle. We will always stand ready not only to provide our political support but our help every time you need it because the struggle against terrorism is also the struggle for democracy," he said.

Hollande lamented some of the recent violence perpetrated by suspected Boko Haram fighters, including the massacre earlier this week of at least 59 students in their sleep at F.G.C Yobe state while also calling on Nigeria and Africa to remain optimistic despite its crisis.

“Africa has a great future. It’s the continent of tomorrow,” he said.
He then vowed to double French overseas development aid to the continent within the next five years.