The United States of America has promised to work with the government
of President Muhammadu Buhari in wiping out terrorism from Nigeria and
its neighbouring countries.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan had accused the US government of refusing to help Nigeria in its fight against extremism.
The
US Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Linda
Thomas-Greenfield, during a telephone press briefing on Monday, held in
South Africa at the 25th African Union Summit, said that Washington was
ready to back Nigeria in its fight against the terrorist group.
“Fighting terrorism is not easy. Since 2001 we have been fighting
terrorism and we will continue to fight terrorists. Fighting in Africa
requires support of the entire region,” Thomas-Greenfield said.
Speaking
further, Thomas-Greenfield noted that the Boko Haram insurgency was not
a Nigerian problem alone and that the US was working closely with
Nigeria’s neighbours to end the reign of terrorism in the country.
She
added that the US was committing $5 million to Nigeria’s efforts at
defeating Boko Haram, adding that Nigeria had been receiving equipment
and technical assistance from the US.
Contrary to President
Buhari’s statement on Sunday at the AU Summit, the US assistant
secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, said Africa was not under siege,
though she admitted the continent was facing “really horrific attacks in
recent times.”
“I’ll not say Africa is under siege. I’ll say Africa is facing some challenging security situations,” she said.
(Daily Post)
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