Since 2014 the threat posed by Boko Haram has affected not only in the north-east of Nigeria, but also in Chad, Cameroon and Niger. This has led to the establishment of a Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad area aiming at improving joint coordination, planning and implementation of operations.
The national contingents operating bilaterally and as part of the MNJTF have since been deployed and are conducting operations. The force however needs the necessary infrastructure and transport and communication assets to allow it to effectively coordinate and command operations.
In the context of the EU-AU partnership, as reconfirmed during the donor conference organized by African Union Commission early February 2016 the European Commission adopted in April 2016 a financing decision setting aside €50 Million from the African Peace Facility in support of the MNJTF against Boko Haram.
The action will put the multinational force central command in a position to co-ordinate operations among troop contributing countries in their respective territories. This should in turn prevent Boko Haram to continue to take advantage of its ability to move across borders when fighting uncoordinated bilateral operations by any of the troop-contributing countries.
As we are getting ready to sign Contractual arrangements, which will translate the financing decision into a well-sequenced set of activities to achieve the expected results, we reiterate our strong mutual engagement to contribute to restore a safe and secure environment in the areas affected by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups and to support the Multi National Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission in order to secure the civilian population.
Abuja, 14 May 2016