Security Council Press Statement on Boko Haram Attacks in Nigeria and against Chadian Troops in Cameroon

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Liu Jieyi (China):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the continued escalation of  attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists, including on 1 February in Maiduguri, Borno State, as well as the increasing attacks in the Lake Chad Basin region, including against the Chadian army contingent deployed to fight Boko Haram in Cameroon at the request and with the collaboration of the Cameroonian authorities, on 29 and 30 January near the border town of Fotokol, which killed four Chadian soldiers and injured 12 others.

The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the families of the victims and their sympathy to all those injured in these heinous attacks, as well as to the peoples and the Governments of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chad.

Recalling presidential statement S/PRST/2015/4 of 19 January, the members of the Security Council reiterated their deep concern that the activities of Boko Haram are undermining the peace and stability of the West and Central African region.  The members of the Security Council urged the region to enhance regional military operations and coordination to more effectively and immediately combat Boko Haram.  In this regard, the members of the Security Council commended the Chadian army's swift assistance in the fight against Boko Haram in Cameroon, during which 123 Boko Haram combatants were neutralized and others were captured.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the actions of Boko Haram constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whosoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate with the relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.