In a significant development, US President Joe Biden recently phoned Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to discuss the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive and US citizen, who has been detained in Nigeria since April. The conversation also touched on the crucial topic of a UN Security Council seat for Africa.
Gambaryan, the head of financial crime compliance at Binance, has been held at a prison in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, facing what US lawmakers describe as “baseless” charge. The US government has been pressing for his release, with diplomats from the State Department engaging in private discussions with Nigerian officials since June 3
Key Discussion Points:
- Release of Tigran Gambaryan: President Biden urged President Tinubu to ensure Gambaryan’s prompt release, highlighting concerns about the legitimacy of the charges against him.
- UN Security Council Seat for Africa: The two leaders discussed the importance of Africa’s representation on the UN Security Council, with Biden reaffirming US support for the continent’s bid for a permanent seat.
This phone call underscores the growing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Gambaryan issue and strengthen US-Nigeria relations. As the situation unfolds, international attention will remain focused on Nigeria’s response to the US government’s concerns.