U.S. predicts challenge in protecting Nigerian citizens

The U.S. Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, has predicted that the new government in Nigeria might face the challenge of protecting its citizens against terrorism threats. Kerry made the assertion in a statement by the African Regional Media Hub of the United States Department of State on Tuesday in Lagos.

The statement quoted Kerry as making the prediction after signing a Memorandum of Cooperation to support disease control and prevention in Africa with the African Union (AU) in Washington D.C.

''One of the principal challenges facing the new government in Abuja will be that of protecting Nigerian citizens from the terrorism threat. “The U.S. endorses the effort by the AU and its partners to establish a multinational taskforce to halt Boko Haram’s campaign within and beyond Nigeria’s borders. We will also continue generally to help African governments to improve their counter-terrorism and border security capabilities,’’ it stated. The statement expressed the U.S. government’s commitment to promoting cordial relationships with African countries. It added that the government had learnt that diplomatic and peacekeeping initiatives in Africa work best when they were African-led. And there are opportunities and challenges at the same time. “In recent years, we have learned that diplomatic and peacemaking initiatives in Africa work best when they are African-led. “But the U.S. and the broader international community can still help and we are prepared to do so,’’ the statement said.