Abiodun Oluwarotimi
The United Nations Security Council yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly bring those behind the terrorist attacks in Nigeria and its environs to justice before further damages are done.
This charge was made by the Council in a presidential statement issued to journalists by Ambassador Gerard Jacobus van Bohemen, the council president for July.
Reiterating its strong condemnation of terrorist attacks, human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin region, the Council noted that there was an urgent need to bring to justice those responsible.
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The 15-member body described terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as one of the most serious threats to international peace and security and reaffirmed that such acts, including those by Boko Haram, could not and should not be associated with any religion, nationality or civilization.
Acknowledging the progress made on the ground following joint regional military efforts in recent months, the Council encouraged the Economic Community of Central African States and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in coordination with the African Union Commission to accelerate efforts to adopt a comprehensive strategy to more effectively and urgently combat the threat posed by Boko Haram.
“Member States must ensure that any measures taken in that regard complied with their obligations under international law,” the Council stressed, reaffirming the need for all parties to armed conflict to respect the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.