Reports in Czech explain why Nigeria cancels visit by PM Petr Fiala
Reports have emerged that the Nigerian government cancelled a planned visit by Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala due to Prague’s support for Israel in the ongoing war on Gaza.
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is yet to comment on the matter.
Nigeria is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC and the group has been in support of the Palestinian struggle.
“Nigeria has informed us that it is unable to provide an adequate reception and programme, so we have agreed to cancel the visit,” Czech Republic government spokesman Václav Smolka told the Czech daily paper Blesk.
Reports in the Czech media, quoting diplomatic sources, said the decision by Nigeria to turn down the visit of Prime Minister Petr Fiala is linked to the European country’s support of Israel continued onslaught on the besieged enclave.
The West African country, which has a large Muslim population, voted for a ceasefire, and some Nigerians have held rallies in support of Palestinians.
The Czech leader has been on a visit to sub-Saharan Africa since last week to seek business opportunities for the country.
He will be meeting President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana on Thursday following the sudden U-turn by the Nigerian government.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala has visited Ethiopia and Kenya, where he held talks with the regional African leaders.
