The United States of America has clarified its position on the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria, saying it has come to work with Nigeria and not for Nigeria.
This was disclosed by Mrs Maria E. Brewer, Deputy Missioner, US. Embassy, Abuja while responding to audience question at the Hubert H.Humphrey 2014 Annual Lecture held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.
In her keynote address, Brewer, speaking under the theme, Managing Down Insurgency:The American Experience, said that Nigeria is the United States’ most important strategic partner in Africa and wants Nigeria to win its war on terrorism.
She said that the United States has learned that defeating terrorism requires more than just military power, saying it requires economic development in impoverished areas where extremism takes root, accessible education opportunities for all and a free and fair press that can report openly and without fear of reprisal.
Brewer said, “Fighting terrorism requires civilian and military leaders to work together to both defeat the enemy on the battle field and address the root causes of conflict.
” Focussing primarily on the population, rather than the enemy, and reinforcing the legitimacy of governments at the local, state and federal levels, reduces the influence of terrorists.
“This can often only be achieved in concert with political reform to improve the quality of governance and address the underlying grievances of the community, many of which maybe legitimate,” she said.
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