Distinguished Heads of State,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
First of all, I would like to thank and commend my brother and friend, President BUHARI, for the excellent organization of the second regional security summit and for the warm welcome accorded us throughout our stay.
Right off, I’ll say that this summit, whose importance is clear to everyone, has met expectations. It has afforded us an opportunity, on the one hand, to take stock of the decisions adopted in Paris in 2014, and on the other hand, lay the groundwork for a number of actions to be undertaken in the coming years.
On the first point, we’ve noted that the said decisions have yielded positive results. Cooperation among countries of the frontline zone has helped to check Boko Haram attacks and neutralize its offensive capability. The terrorist organization is now reduced to suicide attacks, which are somewhat the weapon of the weak and cowardly.
The fight against Boko Haram has been effective thanks also to support from our key international partners, notably the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia and the European Union. Of course, the African Union’s contribution through the Joint Multinational Task Force has been decisive. I must also mention the assistance provided to refugees and displaced persons by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and by humanitarian organizations such as “Médecins Sans Frontières”.
Regarding the future, we intend to maintain and strengthen the tried and tested military cooperation among countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). We’ve also agreed to focus attention on some specific issues, namely the situation of refugees and displaced persons, and reconstruction of facilities in areas devastated by Boko Haram.
On this point, I should recall that the resurgence of phenomena such as Boko Haram will be best prevented through improved livelihoods for the people and their increased access to education.
Lastly, the Summit reviewed the Lake Chad Region Development and Climate Change Adaptation Plan. The implementation of this major project will serve as an example.
Before concluding, I’ll add that I was very pleased that several of our colleagues from West and Central Africa have joined us. This makes me believe that security, as a common concern for our two regions, is gaining ground.
The decisions reached on all these issues are captured in the communiqués, and the decisions that will be taken.
I thank the major powers, notably those I have mentioned and the European Union for their assistance. They can rest assured that Africa is determined to fight and defeat Boko Haram
Thank you.
