We will help Nigeria defeat terrorism – EU




 The European Union on Tuesday said it would continue to support Nigeria “until terrorism is defeated” in the country.

Dr David MacRae, the Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said this at a media luncheon hosted by the commission in Abuja.

MacRae, however, said that terrorism should be tackled within the ambit of the rule of law.

He commended  the Federal Government for its recent initiatives in addressing the issue.

“We welcome recent steps taken by government in recent weeks towards addressing insecurity in parts of the north, including the creation of two committees with the mandate to take a holistic look on radicalisation and factors that fuel it.

“The EU is convinced that a comprehensive approach based on security, good governance, development and improvement of social conditions is key to fighting terrorism and radicalisation”, he said.

The EU Ambassador also condemned the killing in Baga, Borno, adding that measures should be put in place by the government to protect the lives and property of citizens.

He stated that those responsible for the action should be brought to justice accordingly.

“EU welcomes the decision of the Nigerian authorities to launch a full scale investigation into the Baga incident and is looking forward to thorough inquiry and bringing to justice anyone who may be responsible for any unlawful killings and conduct,” he added.

MacRae also reiterated that the EU had agreed to finance the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) till the end of June.

“By July AFISMA will become a UN Peacekeeping Force and as far as elections are concerned there is a roadmap which the government is expected to adhere to towards constitutional reform,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Belen Calvo-Uyarra, Head of Political Section of the EU Commission, said the EU had been working with the Malian government to help it regain its constitutional rule.

“We have resumed our cooperation with Mali based on the roadmap established by the Interim President of Mali with the support of the National Assembly of Mali.

“There are discussions ongoing by the temporary government to see to the possibility of election being held and it is for the EU to support this process,” she said. (NAN)




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