Czech Republic PM Petr Fiala (L) is currently touring sub-Saharan Africa for bilateral talks

Czech Republic PM Petr Fiala (L) is currently touring sub-Saharan Africa for bilateral talks

 

Intelligence points to the crisis between Israel and Hamas on why Nigeria has cancelled a planned visit by Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala, as being reported by several Czech media outlets.

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim faithful from Southern Nigeria ran with Kashim Shettima, another core Muslim from the Northern Nigeria as the Vice President.

“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.

Nigeria is yet to comment on the matter.

Czech media, citing diplomatic sources, report that Nigeria’s decision is linked to the Czech Republic’s support of Israel in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The Czech Republic was one of the countries that voted against the UN resolution for a ceasefire between in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Nigeria, which has a large Muslim population, voted for a ceasefire, and some residents have held protests in support of Palestinians.

PM Fiala has been on a visit of sub-Saharan Africa from last week to seek business opportunities for Czech companies.

He has toured Ethiopia and Kenya, where he held talks with the heads of those countries.

He is expected to meet Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo in Accra on Thursday, before concluding his trip in the Ivory Coast on Saturday.

Editorial Chief, Nigerian Bureau

Kings UBA is a Nigerian journalist and writer. I have reported for major local and international news organisations. I write satire. In 2017, I started contributing stories primarily to Discover Africa News Network. I can be reached on editorkingsuba@gmail.com. I currently manage Discover Africa News social media handles