The UK government has disclosed that it allocated more than £300 million towards security and stability initiatives in Africa during the year 2023. This funding was utilized to bolster security measures and ensure stability in the region. The Minister of State, Cabinet Office, Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe, stated that this financial commitment is part of the UK’s Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF) and has significantly impacted both African and British citizens.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe emphasized the UK’s dedication to fortifying security relationships, particularly in addressing shared security challenges within West Africa, such as cyber-attacks. She highlighted the pivotal role played by the CSSF in addressing various challenges including drug smuggling, cybercrime, and human displacement. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to safeguard individuals in the UK by supporting partners in Nigeria and West Africa.

Acknowledging Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, the minister emphasized the critical role of Nigeria’s stability and security in the wider region and the UK’s commitment to fortifying the partnership between the two countries. British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, echoed this sentiment, asserting the UK’s unwavering support and commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian government in responding to security challenges effectively.

The UK’s investment in Africa encompassed various initiatives, including combatting human traffickers, aiding the resettlement of individuals displaced by violent groups, and providing support for vocational training, religious counseling, and psycho-social assistance. The funding also contributed to UN efforts to stabilize communities in the Lake Chad Basin following years of violence by extremist groups, benefitting over 11 million people across Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

Additionally, the UK’s support extended to enhancing African law enforcement agencies’ capabilities to combat cybercrime. It facilitated notable operations leading to the arrest of suspected cybercriminals and the identification of suspicious cyber networks linked to substantial financial losses. The UK also focused on capacity building for Nigerian judges and prosecutors to effectively handle cybercrime cases.

The partnership between the UK and Nigeria culminated in a memorandum of understanding on cyber cooperation, affirming their commitment to combat mutual cyber threats. The UK is poised to further integrate overseas and UK security, effectively addressing transnational challenges such as smuggling, illicit finances, and large-scale migration, thereby enhancing its capacity to extend exceptional expertise to international partners.

In summary, the UK’s substantial investment in security and stability in Africa underscores its commitment to fostering robust partnerships, addressing shared security challenges, and promoting peace and security across the continent.

NAN