EU sign agreement to help multi national joint task force against Boko Haram

The European Union has signed a 50 million Euro agreement in support of a multi national task force that is fighting the insurgent group Boko Haram.

This agreement will assist the Lake Chad Basin Commission Multi-National Joint Task Force and further strengthen the regional coordination of the response

The multi-national joint task force, drawn up by Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Benin are still trying to rid themselves of the militants.

This agreement comes at a time of renewed efforts by the member countries to eliminate the threat posed by Boko Haram.

“We reiterate our strong mutual engagement to contribute to restore a safe and secure environment to the civilian population in the areas affected by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. Boko Haram attacks against the population have severely affected the North-east of Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger,” a statement by the EU read.

The EU’s support will led to a construction of the task force headquarters in Chad’s capital Ndjamena as well as of sector Headquarters in Cameroon and Niger. The EU will also provide transport and communication assets to the force headquarters.

Over 2 million people have been displaced and thousands have been killed during the groups seven year insurgency.

“More than 13,000 have been killed, 2.5 million people have been internally displaced, and an estimated 250 000 people fled to neighboring countries. The escalation of violence has disrupted regional agricultural production and unsettled local markets, causing increasing malnutrition,” said the EU.

Boko Haram seeks to establish an Islamic state adhering to strict Sharia law in Africa’s biggest economy.