Kerry to discuss Nigeria’s economy, human rights issues with Buhari

John Kerry, the United States (US) secretary of state, will visit Nigeria on Tuesday to discuss the economy with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The US Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

According to the mission, Kerry will also visit Sokoto state, where he is billed to deliver a speech on religious tolerance.

“U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Nairobi, Kenya, on August 22 to meet with President Kenyatta to discuss regional security issues and counter-terrorism cooperation, as well as bilateral issues,” read the statement.

“Secretary Kerry will also meet with Kenyan Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed and other regional foreign ministers to discuss key challenges in East Africa, including the prospects for resumption of a political process in South Sudan and support to Somalia’s political transition and ongoing fight against al-Shabaab.

“He will have the opportunity to meet with participants of the Young African Leaders Initiative and the Mandela Washington Fellows programs.

“The Secretary will travel to Sokoto, and Abuja, Nigeria, on August 23-24.  He will meet with President Buhari to discuss counter-terrorism efforts, the Nigerian economy, the fight against corruption, and human rights issues.  In Sokoto, he will deliver a speech on the importance of resilient communities and religious tolerance in countering violent extremism.  In Abuja, the Secretary will meet with a group of adolescent girls working to change community perceptions that devalue the role of girls in society.  He will also meet with northern governors and religious leaders.

“On August 24-25, Secretary Kerry will travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a series of meetings with senior Saudi leaders, his counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen.  His discussion will focus on the ongoing conflict in Yemen and efforts to restore peace and stability.  Additionally, the leaders will discuss the region’s most pressing challenges, including Syria and our global effort to counter Da’esh and violent extremism.”

This is Kerry’s third visit to Nigeria. He had visited Nigeria on two occasions in 2015, in the buildup to the general election and during the inauguration of Buhari.