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Nigeria Nears Military Agreements with Saudi Arabia to Boost Security, Combat Terrorism

Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
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Nigeria Nears Military Agreements with Saudi Arabia to Boost Security, Combat Terrorism

Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, told Asharq Al-Awsat that his country is close to signing military agreements with Saudi Arabia. These deals will include joint training, capacity-building programs, counterterrorism training, and intelligence sharing.

He said Nigeria is working to strengthen its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia. “My visit focused on boosting military cooperation and ties with the Saudi Armed Forces,” he added after meeting Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.

Matawalle said his country believes in Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting regional stability and global security. He noted that his visit aimed to explore new opportunities, share ideas, and strengthen cooperation to address common security threats.

Matawalle said the talks focused on boosting security ties, including counterterrorism training and intelligence sharing.

“We aim to solidify Nigeria’s partnership with Saudi Arabia and finalize agreements on joint training programs and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen our armed forces,” he said.

He also visited the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) headquarters in Riyadh, where he met Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi to discuss enhancing cooperation in security and counterterrorism with Saudi Arabia and other member states.

Counterterrorism Efforts

Nigeria has made strong progress in fighting terrorism, thanks to multi-faceted strategies, according to Matawalle. He pointed to the success of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which has significantly reduced banditry in the northwest.

In the northeast, groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have been largely defeated through Operation HADIN KAI, he said, crediting military action and international partnerships, including with Saudi Arabia, for improved intelligence and training.

Matawalle also praised a recent counterterrorism conference in Nigeria, calling it a vital step.

“It highlighted the importance of working together to tackle terrorism and strengthen regional security,” he said.

Matawalle said that the recent counterterrorism conference helped countries share strategies, intelligence, and best practices. He stressed the need for a united front against terrorist networks and highlighted the event’s role in boosting collaboration between African nations and global partners.

Matawalle added that the conference reinforced Nigeria’s leadership in regional security and the importance of partnerships like the one with the IMCTC.

Nigeria Calls for Stronger Arab-African Role in Regional Crises

Matawalle urged Arab-African nations to work together to stop the wars in Palestine and Lebanon. He called for collective action to push for a ceasefire and provide humanitarian aid to those affected.

He emphasized the need for Arab-African countries to use their influence in organizations like the UN and African Union to seek a fair resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On Sudan’s crisis, Matawalle reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for peaceful solutions through inclusive dialogue. He stressed that clear mandates, logistical support, and collaboration with local stakeholders are essential for success.

“Nigeria is ready to work with regional and international partners to ensure peace initiatives succeed,” he said, highlighting Nigeria’s leadership roles in ECOWAS and the African Union. He also backed deploying mediators to secure ceasefires and deliver humanitarian aid.

Matawalle said deploying African forces in Sudan could succeed if efforts are well-coordinated, properly funded, and internationally supported.

He expressed optimism, pointing to growing agreement among African nations on the importance of African-led solutions. With backing from the African Union and global partners, he believes such initiatives could protect civilians and promote lasting stability.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.