The United States of America has promised to work with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in wiping out terrorism from Nigeria and its neighbouring countries.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan had accused the US government of refusing to help Nigeria in its fight against extremism.
The US Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, during a telephone press briefing on Monday, held in South Africa at the 25th African Union Summit, said that Washington was ready to back Nigeria in its fight against the terrorist group.
“Fighting terrorism is not easy. Since 2001 we have been fighting terrorism and we will continue to fight terrorists. Fighting in Africa requires support of the entire region,” Thomas-Greenfield said.
Speaking further, Thomas-Greenfield noted that the Boko Haram insurgency was not a Nigerian problem alone and that the US was working closely with Nigeria’s neighbours to end the reign of terrorism in the country.
She added that the US was committing $5 million to Nigeria’s efforts at defeating Boko Haram, adding that Nigeria had been receiving equipment and technical assistance from the US.
Contrary to President Buhari’s statement on Sunday at the AU Summit, the US assistant secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, said Africa was not under siege, though she admitted the continent was facing “really horrific attacks in recent times.”
“I’ll not say Africa is under siege. I’ll say Africa is facing some challenging security situations,” she said.
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