United Nations, July 29

The United Nations Security Council yesterday called for global assistance to fight Boko Haram, a Nigeria-based terrorist group associated with al Qaeda.

In a presidential statement, the council called for active participation and collaboration of all states as well as international, regional and sub-regional organisations to counter terrorism that “can only be defeated by joint global efforts.”

The council took note of the threats posed by Boko Haram and al Qaeda, reaffirming its resolve to address all aspects of the threats, said the statement.

While acknowledging the progress made on the ground by the Multinational Joint Task Force in recent months, the council strongly condemned the continued deadly attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram, especially those against civilians. It appealed to the international community and donors to support the MNJTF and welcomed African Union Commission’s plan to organise a donors’ conference in support of the efforts of the Lake Chad Basin Commission member states and Benin.

The council also stressed the need to sustain national and regional effort to improve livelihoods, provide humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected populations, prevent illicit trafficking of weapons to armed groups and criminal networks as well as ensure the protection of human rights, particularly those of women and children.

The council reaffirmed that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality or civilization.

Boko Haram, based in northeastern Nigeria and also active in Chad, Niger and northern Cameroon, has wreaked havoc through a wave of bombings, assassinations and abductions, in its attempt to overthrow the Nigerian government and create an Islamic state.