Calling for sustained support, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Head of Mission for the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), appealed to the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), and other strategic partners to continue their unwavering assistance in eradicating Boko Haram terrorism from the Lake Chad Basin region.
A statement released by Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer at HQ MNJTF in N’djamena, Chad, mentioned that this request was made during the 14th Joint Steering Committee Meeting’s opening ceremony on August 6, 2024, at the Radisson Hotel in N’Djamena, Chad.
Emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts, Ambassador Nuhu stressed the need to eliminate Boko Haram and minimize its impacts in the region.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the troop-contributing countries (TCCs) and the valuable support from strategic partners, which have played a crucial role in creating a safer environment conducive to peace and development in the Lake Chad Basin.
Dr. Sarjoh Bah, AU’s Director of Conflict Management, expressed gratitude for the support of the EU and other strategic partners in the fight against terrorism in the region. He highlighted the success of Operation Lake Sanity II as a demonstration of the commitment and sacrifices of the MNJTF TCCs in defeating Boko Haram and restoring peace and stability.
Referring to the AU’s commitment, Dr. Bah reiterated the plan to enhance the MNJTF’s operational capacity in line with the AU Compliance and Accountability Framework, ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law, human rights law, and high standards of conduct and discipline.
Prior to this, Major General Ibrahim Ali, commander of MNJTF, underscored the importance of a collective commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Lake Chad region.
He stated that the meeting serves as a vital platform for coordinating joint efforts and exchanging insights in alignment with the Support Implementation Agreement involving the AU, LCBC, and MNJTF TCCs.
Maj. Gen. Ali affirmed that 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.
On the initial day of the meeting, updates on the general situation in the MNJTF operational area, briefings on direct and additional support, an AU update on extra 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 were discussed, Maj. Gen. Ali stated, as per the statement.