UN Scribe canvasses holistic effort to combat Boko Haram, others

Nigeria came under focus on Monday as members of the United Nations Security Council opened debate on combating terrorism in Africa.
In his remarks, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, noted that terrorism continued to pose a threat to the African continent’s peace, security and development from the east and across the Sahel to the west.
Ki-Moon warned that Africa was facing a rise in the presence of extremist groups and terrorist entities.
“Without such a holistic approach, we risk simply pushing the threat from one area to another,” he said.
According to him, recording success against deadly Islamist groups such as “the Nigeria-based Boko Haram, Al-Qaida in the Maghreb and the Somalia-based Al-Shabaab would require greater and more holistic efforts.
“Military advances, important as they are, will not by themselves bring an end to terrorism in Africa. This struggle must go forward on many fronts, including by addressing the conditions that are conducive to the spread of terrorism.”
Ki-moon spoke to the 15-Member Council.
However, he stressed that lack of development and the absence of the rule of law allow terrorist groups to recruit across communities and build their ranks.
His words: “Opportunistic links between terrorist and transnational organised criminal groups ensure the constant flow of people, money, weapons and illicit goods across borders, allowing such groups to survive and proliferate.
“The United Nations is strongly committed to doing its part to combat terrorism in Africa.”
The UN Scribe reminded the Council that “success is crucial for enabling Africans to meet their aspirations to live in dignity and peace.”
“The Security Council recognises that terrorism will not be defeated by military force or security forces, law enforcement measures, and intelligence operations alone”
A statement on the meeting also underlined the need to address the conditions conducive to “strengthening efforts for the successful prevention and peaceful resolution of prolonged conflicts, and also promoting the rule of law, the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, good governance, tolerance and inclusiveness.”
As a result, the Council called on the Secretary-General to provide “a comprehensive survey and assessment” of the UN’s work in assisting Member States and sub-regional and regional entities across Africa in fighting the continent’s terrorist threats.”