UNGA: Tinubu seeks international support in battle against insurgency

President Bola Tinubu has asked foreign nations to intervene in Nigeria’s protracted battle against insurgency. 

Tinubu spoke in the early hours of Wednesday (local time) while addressing world leaders at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, US.

The president expressed concerns about Nigeria’s inability to completely crush the armed conflict which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, noting that insecurity is also exacerbating forced migration on the continent. 

“In the turmoil, a dark channel of inhumane commerce has formed. Along the route, everything is for sale. Men, women, and children are seen as chattel,” he said.

“Yet, thousands risk the Sahara’s hot sand and the Mediterranean’s cold depths in search of a better life. At the same time, mercenaries and extremists with their lethal weapons and vile ideologies invade our region from the north.”

Tinubu said Africa would utilise available resources to ensure it succeeds in the battle against insurgency.

“African nations will improve our economies so that our people do not risk their lives to sweep the floors and streets of other nations. We also shall devote ourselves to disbanding extremist groups on our turf,” he said.

However, the president noted that “to fully corral this threat, the international community must strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa”.

The president made the call after assuring his global counterparts that he would use his position as chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting the continent, including violent extremism.

“I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission,” he said.

This year’s UNGA general debate runs from September 19 – 26.

Read more about what the gathering is about and what topics will be discussed here.