The United States government has said there is no magic formula to ending the Boko Haram insurgency. It urged the Federal Government to adopt a multi-faceted approach to combating the sect’s violent attacks on Nigerians.
The US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human
Rights and Labour, Michael Posner, said this during a press conference in Lagos
on Friday.
Posner expressed the US government’s concern about human
rights abuses and violations by security agents in an attempt to end the sect’s
violence. He said excessive use of force might be fuelling support for the
sect. According to him, numerous reports of mass arrests, extra-judicial
killings, torture and prolonged detention without due process were of serious
concern to the US.
He said, “The United States is concerned about the
worsening security situation in the northern part of Nigeria. But, there is
actually no magic formula for solving the violent extremism posed by Boko
Haram.
“What the country needs to do is to adopt a multi-faceted
response in combating it. Such a response will involve the disciplined use of
force in which security forces abide by the clear rules of engagement.
“Also, strategies need to be geared towards providing
increased economic opportunity, enhanced social programme and more meaningful
political engagement for local communities most affected by the Boko Haram
violence.”
While advocating the prosecution of members of the sect
as well as those who support and protect them, Posner urged security agents to
always distinguish criminal insurgents from sympathisers and innocent
bystanders while carrying out their operations. He pledged his country’s
resolve to help Nigeria build a professional security force capable of
protecting the citizens and respecting basic human rights.
“Nigeria is a very important partner to the US and we are
committed to working with the Nigerian government to help build a stable and
prosperous democracy,” he added.
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