UN Security Council condemns continued attacks by Boko Haram

The United Nations Security Council has condemned the continued escalation of attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists, including the Sunday attack in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

The 15-Member body, in a statement issued on Tuesday in New York, also condemned the increasing attacks in the Lake Chad Basin region, against the Chadian army deployed to fight Boko Haram.

The members were quoted in the statement as extending their condolences to the families of the victims and their sympathy to the injured in those heinous attacks, as well as to Governments of Nigeria and Chad.

Recalling Presidential statement s/PRST/2015/4 of January19, the Council members reiterated their deep concern that the activities of Boko Haram are undermining the peace and stability of the West and Central African region.

Members of the Security Council urged the region to enhance regional military operations and coordination to more effectively and immediately combat Boko Haram.

In this regard, Council members commended the Chadian army’s swift assistance in the fight against Boko Haram in Cameroon, during which 123 Boko Haram combatants were neutralised and others captured.

They reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the actions of Boko Haram constitute one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

“Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whosoever committed,” the statement noted.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the UN.

They underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of acts of terrorism to justice.

They also urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate with the relevant authorities in this regard.

The Council members reminded states to ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

(NAN)