Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS), Mallory Stewart, will travel to Nigeria from August 19-21, 2024. This visit continues and expands the ADS Bureau’s diplomatic outreach efforts in Nigeria initiated in December 2023.
During her visit, Assistant Secretary Stewart will engage in high-level discussions with Nigerian and 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 enhancing approaches among Yaoundé Architecture stakeholders to improve maritime domain awareness in the Gulf of Guinea. Additionally, opportunities to improve multilateral disarmament and international security mechanisms will be explored. Assistant Secretary Stewart aims to highlight the U.S. commitment to nuclear risk reduction, multilateral disarmament, and regional security cooperation.
As part of the agenda, Assistant Secretary Stewart will emphasize adopting comprehensive Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) implementing legislation and capacity-building measures to enhance chemical security and risk reduction in West Africa.
