US ‘commits’ $45m to fight against Boko Haram

The United States says it is committing $45 million to the fight against insurgency in West Africa.

Ned Price, spokesman of the White House, disclosed this in a statement, saying the money would be used for training, provision of equipment and other forms of assistance.

“The President today delegated authority to the secretary of state to direct the drawdown of up to $45 million in defense articles and services, as well as military education and training, to support Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria’s efforts to defeat Boko Haram,” the statement read.

“This will enable the secretary to authorise the provision of critical airlift support and other assistance, including to help the Lake Chad Basin countries move troops and equipment to the border region from which Boko Haram terrorists continue to launch brutal attacks on civilians.

“This assistance builds on training, equipment, and logistical support that the United States is providing using other authorities. The United States also continues to provide advisors and share information with our regional partners to enhance counter-Boko Haram operations, as well as victim support and counter-violent extremism programming.”

The acknowledged the need for a holistic approach in the battle against insurgency.

“Defeating Boko Haram will require a holistic campaign that protects human rights, pairs progress on development and governance with security measures, and fills in behind military successes with civilian stabilisation efforts,” he said.

“The United States stands with our partners in the region who are fighting to end Boko Haram’s campaign of terror that threatens to rob an entire generation of the benefits of unfettered access to education, health care, and economic development.”