Boko Haram: U.S. announces $54m aid for Nigeria. 3 others

The U.S. Government has announced 54 million dollars in addition to
humanitarian assistance to Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and the four
countries affected by the Boko Haram violence.

U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Mr Thomas Shannon jr,
disclosed this at a symposium on Nigeria tagged ‘Nigeria: Challenges and
Prospects for Advancing Durable Peace, organised by the U.S. Institute
of Peace, Washington, D.C.

Shannon said that the U.S. Government’s humanitarian assistance to the
four countries totalled about 700 million dollars  since 2015

He said: “On security issues, Nigeria is an important leader and
partner in the Lake Chad Basin, collaborating with its neighbors to
defeat the scourge of Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa.

“The United States supports this and other efforts to bring security and stability to citizens affected by violence.

“At the United Nations last week, the U.S. government announced $54
million in additional humanitarian assistance for the Lake Chad region,
bringing the total to almost $700 million over the past two years”.

According to the U.S. envoy, while humanitarian support is an immediate necessity, it cannot be a long-term solution.

“When Nigeria’s northern governors came to this institution in late
2016, the clear consensus was that addressing the war and poverty
plaguing northeast Nigeria required robust initiatives for education,
reconciliation and political inclusion.

“I am pleased the working group here today is bringing together your
collective years of experience as spiritual leaders, military
commanders, journalists, election officials, human rights advocates and
educators to develop strategies to address these enduring challenges.

“The United States is proud to be your partner in these vital efforts,” he said.

“Your work to defuse conflicts over a range of issues, from elections to land use, inspires us all,” Shannon commended.

He recalled his bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign
Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama on the sidelines of the 72nd UN General
Assembly last week, saying they had robust engagements about the Boko
Haram crisis and other pressing issues.

Shannon said: “My meeting with the Nigerian Foreign Minister last week
was a great opportunity to learn more about what else the Nigerian
government is trying to accomplish on the security front.

“It is clear to me that Nigeria is well aware that the fight against
terrorism will be won not only by the military’s conduct on the
battlefield, but also by its conduct off the field.

“Nigeria understands that human rights abuses and impunity tarnish its
international reputation, undermine the trust of its citizens, impede
counterterrorism efforts, and ultimately hinder our ability to fully
partner with Nigeria.”

According to him, however, a military response alone will not lead to sustained peace in the Northeast.

“A holistic response is required. One that sets the conditions for the safe return of refugees and displaced persons.

He commended the Institute and the Senior Working Group for their
dedication and determination to create a more peaceful and prosperous
Nigeria.