Nigeria has signalled potential support for the Republic of Congo’s candidate to lead the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), as bilateral talks between the two African nations intensified this week.
The development followed a high level meeting in Abuja where Vice President Kashim Shettima received Congo’s Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso, who delivered a special message from President Denis Sassou-Nguesso.
During discussions at the Presidential Villa on Friday, Vice President Shettima praised President Sassou Nguesso as “one of the greatest stabilisers on the African continent,” acknowledging his role in promoting peace across Africa’s Great Lakes region. “Your country is a beacon of hope and stability in the region,” Shettima told the visiting delegation, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties.
The Congolese Prime Minister formally requested Nigeria’s endorsement for Firmin Edouard Matoko, Congo’s candidate for the position of UNESCO Director-General. Matoko, a career diplomat with over three decades of experience in the organisation, previously served as Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations.
“We have a candidate for the post of Director-General of UNESCO, Firmin Edouard Matoko, a seasoned diplomat and former senior official of the organisation,” Makosso said.
He emphasised that the bid was based on merit rather than nationality, stating, “We are seeking Nigeria’s support for his candidature not because he is a Congolese, but because he is well qualified for the position.”
Vice President Shettima assured the delegation that Nigeria would carefully consider the request, noting that President Bola Tinubu would be briefed on the matter. “Be rest assured that all the issues raised, especially over your candidature for the Director-Generalship of UNESCO, will be conveyed to the President,” Shettima said.
He added, “I am hopeful that he is going to endorse your candidacy, fundamentally because what binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. Wherever we go, we are essentially one people.”
The meeting also highlighted existing humanitarian cooperation between the two nations, particularly through the Rochas Foundation, a Nigerian NGO that has provided education for Congolese children, including orphans.
Makosso expressed gratitude, saying, “We also want to thank the good people of Nigeria for taking care of some young children from Congo, some of them orphans who were offered free education by the Rochas Foundation. Some of them just graduated, while some are still in school. We are very grateful for that.”
The Congolese Prime Minister further commended President Tinubu’s leadership within ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations, while also conveying condolences over the recent passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
UNESCO, which coordinates international cooperation in education, science, and culture, has not had an African Director-General since Egypt’s Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow left office in 1987.
Nigeria’s potential endorsement of Congo’s candidate aligns with broader African diplomatic efforts to increase the continent’s representation in key global institutions. Should President Tinubu formally back Matoko, it could signal a strategic partnership between West and Central Africa in advancing shared interests on the international stage.
Discussion about this post