Nigeria Will Eradicate Terrorism – Wali

Mr. Wali said terrorism was a major challenge to African countries.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aminu Wali, said on Monday in New York that terrorism poses “the main threat”’ for some countries in Africa. He also said Nigeria would eradicate terrorism from its shores.
Mr. Wali, who is on his first official visit to the UN Headquarters in New York since his appointment as foreign minister on March 5, said African countries were still faced with challenges of peace and security.
The minister told reporters that Nigeria has taken “definite steps” in collaborating with its neighbours to fight terrorism.
“Terrorism now poses the main threat; weak or failing state institutions also pose a risk to some countries in the region.
“In the CAR following the unconstitutional change of government, chaos and mayhem ensued.
“The sectarian violence that led to the death of many and which the country is still reeling from, poses a serious challenge to the region and the entire international community.”
The minister cited the indiscriminate killing of Nigerians by Boko Haram in the North East zone of the country and the recent abduction of school girls in Chibok, Borno.
Mr. Wali, however, reassured the international community that terrorism would be eliminated from Nigeria in due course.
“There is no doubt that terrorism has emerged as a global monster that requires the collaboration of the international community to deal with.
“We are taking definite steps in collaboration with our neighbours to find lasting solutions to the menace.
“I can assure you that in due course, we will eliminate this danger to our country,” Mr. Wali said.
The minister said the political unrest in South Sudan had resulted in the deaths of many innocent people and “vicious ethnic conflict”.
He condemned the recent attack on a UN building in South Sudan, where nearly 5,000 South Sudanese have been sheltering since the country plunged into violence in December.
Mr. Wali also reiterated the urgent need for reforms of the UN Security Council.
“The world has witnessed tremendous changes since 1945; today, African countries have become major troop contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations.
“Unfortunately Africa remains under-represented in the council; it has only three seats in the non-permanent category and remains the only continent without any representation in the permanent category.
“Although the actual reform is yet to commence, Africa will continue to remain focused to ensure adequate representation in the reformed United Nations.”
Mr. Wali had presided over a UN Security Council meeting, which adopted a resolution on Security Sector Reform, SSR, for the first time in its history.
The resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the 15-member council, was sponsored by Nigeria during its month-long presidency of the council in April.
(NAN)