Lake Chad Security: EU, AU urged to Sustain Support in Fight Against Terrorism

N’Djamena, Chad – The Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Head of Mission for the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, has called on the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) to maintain their support in eradicating Boko Haram terrorism from the Lake Chad Basin region.

Speaking at the 14th Joint Steering Committee Meeting, which commenced on August 6, 2024, at the Radisson Hotel in N’Djamena, Chad, Ambassador Nuhu emphasized the importance of sustained collaborative efforts to eliminate Boko Haram and mitigate its impacts in the region.

“The support from our strategic partners has been crucial in achieving a safer environment conducive to peace and development in the Lake Chad Basin,” Ambassador Nuhu said.

“We urge the EU, AU, and other partners to continue their steadfast support in our fight against terrorism.”

The Director of Conflict Management AU, Dr. Sarjoh Bah, expressed gratitude to the EU and other strategic partners for their support, highlighting the successful completion of Operation LAKE SANITY II as a demonstration of the commitment and sacrifices of the MNJTF TCCs.

“The AU is committed to enhancing the MNJTF’s capacity to conduct its operations in accordance with the AU Compliance and Accountability Framework, ensuring adherence to international humanitarian law, human rights law, and the highest standards of conduct and discipline,” Dr. Bah said.

The Force Commander MNJTF, Major General Ibrahim Ali, emphasized the importance of shared commitment to advancing peace and stability in the Lake Chad region, noting that the meeting provides a crucial platform for coordinating collective efforts and sharing insights.

“The support from the AU and its strategic partners has significantly contributed to fulfilling the MNJTF’s mandate of restoring peace and development in the region,” Major General Ali said.

The meeting brings together representatives from the Troop-contributing countries (TCCs), EU, AU, and other strategic partners to coordinate collective efforts in combating terrorism in the region.

The agenda for the meeting includes updates on the general situation in the MNJTF area of operation, briefings on direct and additional support, an AU briefing on the status of additional support to the MNJTF, a review of the Joint Steering Committee’s terms of reference, and a briefing on compliance and accountability for MNJTF operations.

The meeting is expected to conclude on August 8, 2024, with a communique outlining the outcomes and recommendations for future action.

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