Activities of terrorists, challenges of African leaders —Jonathan

Activities of terrorists, challenges of African leaders —Jonathan


President Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday, said atrocities of terrorist groups active in the Sahelo-Saharan region, including Boko Haram, the Lord Resistant Army and Al-Shabaab, bear testimony to the challenge still facing African leaders.


He said although African countries are now equipped in terms of legal, political and normative instruments, the tasks now were to ensure their effective implementation.

The president spoke in Nairobi, at the opening ceremony of the 455th African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council meeting at the level of Heads of State and Government.

The summit has as its theme: “Terrorism and violent extremism in Africa.”

He noted that African countries must fulfill their earlier commitments with respect to legal measures, border control and exchange of intelligence, as part of the joint efforts to put an end to terrorism on the continent.

Jonathan urged African leaders to take action-oriented approach against the activities of terrorists and stop the continued massacre of innocent people across the continent.

“While both member states and the AU deserve to be commended for their commitment and efforts, nonetheless, much remains to be done.

“The atrocities that continue to be committed by the terrorist groups active in the Sahelo-Saharan region, Boko Haram, the LRA, Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups, bear testimony to the long road ahead of us.

“Indeed, the problem we are confronting is global in nature. Terrorists and organised crime syndicates operate in networks that can only be defeated through concerted action and cooperation,” he said.