The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 567th meeting held on 14 January 2015, reiterated AU’s strong condemnation of the sporadic and isolated attacks by Boko Haram, against innocent civilians, and the disturbing use of children by the terrorist group, as suicide bombers.
The council, therefore, renewed “AU’s solidarity with the Governments and people of Nigeria and those of the other countries directly affected by the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group and calls for stronger international cooperation and support to the efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, in line with the relevant Africa and international instruments.”
A communique by the Council at the end of its meeting further “notes with concern the continued threat posed by the Boko Haram terrorist group and stresses the imperative of sustained military operations by the MNJTF to completely eliminate this group.”
The Council has, therefore, decided to renew the mandate of the MNJTF for another period of twelve (12) months, from the date of the adoption of the communiqué.
Boko Haram has killed over 15,000 people in Nigeria and has spread into neighbouring countries rendering millions of people homeless.
