The United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 predicted the possibility of a failure on the part of the new government in Nigeria to protect its citizens against terrorism threats.
He made this stance known via a statement by the African Regional Media Hub of the United States Department of State in Lagos State.
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, according to Vanguard.
He said, “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.’’
The United States Obama-led government also expressed commitment to maintaining a cordial relationships with African countries.
Kerry added, “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 added.
