From August 19 to 21, 2024, Mallory Stewart, the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS), will be visiting Nigeria. This visit marks a significant step in the ongoing diplomatic engagement initiated by the ADS Bureau in December 2023, aimed at strengthening ties and addressing pressing security challenges in the region.
During her stay, Assistant Secretary Stewart is set to engage in high-level discussions with officials from Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The primary focus of these talks will be to tackle emerging security threats and enhance collaborative strategies for risk reduction.
According to a media release from the State Department’s spokesperson, the visit aims to deepen strategic partnerships and foster mutual understanding regarding regional security approaches.
A key agenda item will be the promotion of the Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy, underlining the commitment to ethical standards in defense technology.
Furthermore, the visit will address the need to improve maritime domain awareness in the Gulf of Guinea through enhanced cooperation among stakeholders involved in the Yaoundé Architecture.
Assistant Secretary Stewart will also explore avenues for advancing multilateral disarmament and international security frameworks, emphasizing the U.S. dedication to nuclear risk reduction and regional security collaboration.
Additionally, discussions will include the critical need for West Africa to adopt comprehensive legislation implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the necessary capacity-building measures to bolster chemical security and mitigate risks.
Through this visit, Assistant Secretary Stewart aims to reinforce the United States’ commitment to fostering a secure and stable West African region, ensuring that collaborative efforts continue to evolve in response to emerging global challenges.
