Stewart in Nigeria on diplomatic outreach

The Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS), Mallory Stewart is in Nigeria. The visit is a continuation and expansion of the ADS Bureau’s previous diplomatic outreach efforts in Nigeria from December 2023.

During her visit, which will span August 19 to 21, she will engage in high-level discussions with Nigerian and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officials to address emerging security threats.

Key objectives include deepening strategic partnerships, sharing mutual perspectives and expertise on regional approaches to risk reduction, and encouraging the endorsement of the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.

The visit will also focus on efforts to enhance approaches among Yaoundé Architecture stakeholders to improve maritime domain awareness in the Gulf of Guinea, as well as exploring opportunities to improve multilateral disarmament and international security mechanisms. Stewart will highlight America’s commitment to nuclear risk reduction, multilateral disarmament, and regional security cooperation.

As part of the agenda, Stewart will also engage on the importance of adopting comprehensive Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) implementing legislation and capacity-building measures to enhance chemical security and risk reduction in West Africa.