Security Council Press Statement on Boko Haram Attacks in Cameroon, Chad and Niger

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 13 February in Ngouboua, Chad, against civilians, which killed many persons including the local traditional leader and injured several others, as well as the 8 February attack in Kerawa, Cameroon, and 6-8 February attacks in Diffa, Niger.

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 Republics of Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

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.