The United Nations (UN) has adopted a new strategy to contain the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA), Mr Said Djinnit disclosed this in Accra, Ghana on July 10, 2014 at the opening of the 45th ordinary session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He said the new strategy was an integrated support package aimed at complementing Nigerian government’s counter-terrorism efforts.
He said the UN was concerned over the plight of Nigerian children, especially the abducted schoolgirls, as well as on the fate of the civilians in the North-east where human rights and humanitarian conditions were distressing.
According to him, the adoption of the new strategy is informed by the UN’s conviction that only a multi-dimensional approach can end the Boko Haram crisis.
He said: “The United Nations has adopted an integrated support package to complement Nigeria’s efforts since we’re convinced that only a multi-dimensional approach can bring lasting solution to the crisis. Our primary and immediate concern is the plight of children including those being held in captivity by the terrorists, Boko Haram group, as well as the fate of the civilian population in the North-east where human rights and humanitarian conditions are distressing”, he said
Djinnit commended the ECOWAS for supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, saying such gesture confirmed member states’ solidarity and their legitimate concern about the spread of violent extremism.
He said the UN was ready to work closely with the ECOWAS the Africa Union and other organisations in helping the sub-region achieve peaceful and credible elections.
Earlier in his remarks, Ghanaian President and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government John Dramani Mahama lauded the establishment of peace operations in Cameroon and Chad aimed at tackling the Boko Haram insurgency.
He said the leaders of the sub-region could only guarantee their citizens’ prosperity only in an atmosphere of peace and security.
“Less than two months ago, precisely on 39th May, 2014, we met at this same venue for an extraordinary summit. The main purpose of that gathering was to review the security situation in our sub- region, specifically in Northern Mali and some parts of Northern Nigeria. Let me thank all those involved in the efforts to bring peace to our sub-region. We welcome the role of Algeria and Mauritania and others to bring peace to Mali. We acknowledge the peace operations from Cameroon and Chad to defeat the Boko Haram in North-eastern Nigeria”, he said.
