TerrorismU.S. says Nigeria should do more to combat Islamist Boko Haram
The united States, in talks with Nigeria, says that Nigeria cannot fully achieve its potential as a stable regional leader until the country successfully overcome the challenge of the Islamic insurgency of Boko Haram and secure peace and protection for all its citizens in all regions. In 2012, the United States provided $647 million in bilateral foreign assistance to Nigeria.
Nigerian police at a possible Boko Haram car bombing // Source: alalam.ir
The U.S Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria in Abuja, the country’s capital, has issued a statement regarding Nigeria’s battle against Islamic insurgent groups in the country’s northern region. The statement contained a summary of propositions by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Wendy Sherman. “Countering extremists within Nigeria requires using all of the strengths that Nigeria has to offer: its talent and its federal character that draw on the abilities of Nigerians from all regions, all sectors and all parts of the country, and its diversity that allows for approaching problems from multiple angles at the same time.” Sherman added that “the talents of all the people of Nigeria were needed to confront the issues before them by seizing the opportunities which exist to have Nigeria realize her dream as a great nation.”
AllAfrica reports that the statement was part of the 9th U.S-Nigeria Bi-National Commission Meeting on 15 August 2013. Sherman acknowledge the need for greater public diplomacy, the need to communicate that justice and accountability take place, that training is ongoing, and the many things that are happening on the ground, providing hope to people and reduce the recruitment of additional extremists. She urged the Nigerian government to provide more training to the Nigerian military and other services of the Nigerian government to address the challenges it faces in the north.
According to Sherman, Nigeria cannot fully achieve its potential as a stable regional leader until the country successfully overcome the challenge of Boko Haram and secure peace and protection for all its citizens in all regions.
Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for many deadly attacks in Nigeria’s north.
Security was the main focus of this year’s mission, but social development was discussed during the diplomatic mission to Nigeria. In 2012, the United States provided $647 million in bilateral foreign assistance, including more than $480 million to President Goodluck Jonathan’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
