Fight against Boko Haram stalled – EU

The European Parliament says progress has stalled in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency.

The parliament stated this in its resolution of January 16, 2020.

It noted that violent extremism and terrorist activities were on the increase in Nigeria with jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province, growing in power and influence.

The parliament said the security situation in Nigeria had been aggravated by an escalation of religious and ethnic violence in some parts of the country.

In passing the resolution, the parliament, “deplores the terrorist attacks which have taken place in the country; reiterates its concern about the protracted crisis in

Nigeria and the volatile security situation in the north-east, and strongly condemns the repeated violations of human rights, international and humanitarian law, whether based on religion or ethnicity;

“Condemns, in particular, the recent increase in violence against ethnic and religious communities, including the targeting of religious institutions and worshippers;

“Urges the Nigerian authorities to guarantee respect for human rights in the country, and to protect the civilian population from terrorism and violence; insists that such efforts must be conducted in full accordance with respect for human rights and the rule of law, in line with the country’s international obligations;

“Is deeply worried by the reports of ill-treatment of children detained in military facilities; calls on the Nigerian authorities to allow the UN access to its military detention facilities,

“Is deeply concerned that Nigerian women continue to be victims of discrimination, violence, sexual abuse and rape; urges Nigeria to fully implement CEDAW; urges greater support for the victims of the widespread sexual and gender-based violence, including psychological support.”

The parliament urged President Muhammadu Buhari to implement his campaign promise of “defeating the violent extremism promoted by Boko Haram and other terror groups”.

It also called on the EU, the African Union and the international community to step up their efforts in supporting the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.