1. I.                    INTRODUCTION

 

1. At icts 469 ^th meeting Held on 25 November 2014, the Regional Council Considered efforts being white Deployed to fight the Boko Haram terrorist group and To Be Agreed on steps taken by the Commission in Support of the Member States of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Benin. Council requested the Commission to submit to it a postponement on the follow-up steps taken in Pursuance of That statement, to enable it take The Necessary decisions. At Their 5 ^th ministerial meeting Held in Niamey, Niger, on 20 January 2015, the LCBC Member States and Benin requested me to, inter alia , submit to Council a postponement on the regional and international efforts being white Deployed in the Fight against Boko Haram, PARTICULARLY the Conclusions of That meeting, in order to enable it Authorize the deployment of, and mandate , the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

 

1. Ce rapport est Submitted in Pursuance of Council's press release of 25 November 2014 and the conclusions of the ministerial meeting in Niamey. It Provides an overview of the position since the last meeting of Council on this issue, as well as of the Evolution of the related regional and international efforts. The postponement concluded, as with observations on the way forward. 

 

1. I.                    EVOLUTION OF THE SITUATION ON THE GROUND

 

1. During The period under consideration, the Boko Haram terrorist group to carry out Continued HAS Numerous attacks, targeting Civilians, police, churches, mosques, and public facilities, Including schools. In early January 2015, Boko Haram overran a military base in northeastern Nigeria That Was the headquarters of the MNJTF Located in Baga, Borno State. The group forced Then milliers of people from the area, burnt and destroyed homes and businesses, and mass killings Committed. Mention shoulds BE aussi made of the 10 and 11 January 2015 suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, and Potiskum, Yobe State, Reportedly impliquant children coerced by Boko Haram suicide bombers have to act.

 

1. Since 2013, the Boko Haram terrorist group attacked This HAS Frequently towns and villages, security outposts and schools, and HAS aussi kidnapped Civilians, foreign tourists and missionaries in the border regions of Cameroon. Recently, There has-been an Increasing number of attacks in the Lake Chad Basin area along Nigeria's borders with Chad and Cameroon and in the northern provinces of Cameroon.

 

1. At icts 469 ^th meeting, Council reiterated icts strong condemnation of the terrorist attacks perpetrated by abhor Boko Haram, as well as icts solidarity with Nigeria and l'autre Affected Countries of the Region. It Stressed que la terrorist activities of Boko Haram poses a serious threat not only to Nigeria, goal aussi to the area and the continent as a Whole, and, as Such, require collective efforts to fight African em. In reaction to the Evolving position on the ground, on 12 January 2015 I Issued a press release in qui I strongly Condemned the dastardly attacks of carried out by Boko Haram in Baga and Potiskum, and reiterated the AU's solidarity with the Government and people of Nigeria. In Reviews another press release dated 20 January 2015, I again Condemned the terrorist attacks Boko Haram and Expressed Africa's Continued solidarity with the Affected populations and Countries.
2. Meanwhile, it is 12 January 2015, the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Issued a press release Strongly condemning Boko Haram's despicable acts and wanton disregard for human rights and property, as illustrated by the attack in Baga. He reiterated ECOWAS's commitment to work with the Government of Nigeria, Member States and stakeholders to halt --other thesis Continuing attacks pose a serious threat That to peace, security and stability in the area. He Welcomed the efforts by the AU, the LCBC and others in this regard. On 17 January 2015, the President of the ECOWAS Commission wrote to me to Convey request from the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for the inclusion of an item on the Threat Posed by Boko Haram on the agenda of the upcoming AU Summit. In response, the Commissioner for Peace and Security Informed Him That Would Be Appropriate consultations Undertaken to assurer que la outcome of Boko Haram Is Given all the Attention it Deserves DURING THE deliberations on the postponement of the Peace and Security Council on ict Activities and the State of Peace and Security in Africa.

               

1. The United Nations (UN) Security Council HAS aussi Pronounced Itself on the situation. In a presidential statement adopté on 19 January 2015, the Security Council Condemned, The Strongest in terms, the Most recent escalation in attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram, as well as the Increased attacks in the Lake Chad Basin area and in northern Cameroon. The Security Council Expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Nigeria, as well as to the people and Governments of --other Affected Countries. The Security Council Demanded That Boko Haram time immediately and unequivocally Cease Hostilities all and all are abusing human rights and violations of International Humanitarian Law of, disarm and demobilize and. It aussi Demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abductees Those Who Remain in captivity, Including the 276 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, in April 2014. The Security Council reconnu That sacrifice part of thesis acts May Amount to Crimes Against Humanity and Stressed That Those Responsible Must Be Held accountable. Earlier on, on 22 May 2014, the UN Security Council's Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee approved the addition of Boko Haram to list icts of Individuals and entities subject to financial sanctions Targeted.

                                                                         

1. At the ministerial meeting of the Niamey LCBC Member States and Benin of 20 January 2015, the participants Noted That, since ict emergence, the Boko Haram group HAS distinguished Itself through violent attacks on Civilians, summary executions, looting and destruction, abduction and attacks Continued Against the defense and security strengths of the Countries of the Region. The participants Strongly Condemned the attack on Baga, qui culminated in a wide-scale massacres Considered as a Crime Against humanoid. They Noted with concern the significant enhancement of Boko Haram operational capacity.

 

1. As Noted by the Niamey ministerial meeting, the attacks and are abusing --other Committed by Boko Haram-have resulted in massive internal displacement. It Has aussi led to significant flows of populations from the Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States of Nigeria Into Niger, Chad and Cameroon. This position HAS Significantly strained resources in the host Countries, raising Concerns That May this give rise to tension entre Refugees and Host Communities. Selon the Government of Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), about 868.235 people Were Affected by the terrorist attacks Ongoing in the North East. NEMA is Currently managing 20 camps for Internally Displaced people (IDPs). The Precarious security conditions Prevents the delivery of aid-to-many people in need. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Estimates que le number of Refugees and Displaced people exceeded one million HAG. "
2. In icts above-Mentioned presidential statement, the Security Council Expressed concern at the scale of the Growing Humanitarian Crisis Caused by the activities of Boko Haram. In this regard, the Security Council Commended the Support Provided to the Refugees by the Governments of the host Countries, and on the international community called Expired to Provide Support in Areas qui urgently require attention. 

 

1. II.                  REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS

 

1. Council Will That recall, at icts Summit meeting on terrorism and violent extremism Held in Nairobi on 2 September 2014, the issue of Boko Haram Was Discussed Extensively. More SPECIFICALLY, Council urged the Countries of the Region to take The Necessary Steps Towards Operationalizing the Mechanisms Agreed upon to address the threat more Effectively Posed by Boko Haram. Subsequently, a number of initiatives taken by the Were Countries of the Region HEREBY CERTIFY the conclusions of the Paris Summit of 17 May 2014, qui brought` together the Heads of State of Benin, Chad, Cameroon, France, Niger, Nigeria and stakeholders --other, as well as the ministerial-level meetings That eu lieu le in London and Washington on 12 June and 5 August 2014, respectivement. It is significant to notes que la Paris Summit Agreed number of steps we did Enhancing regional cooperation avocation and International Action Against the Boko Haram terrorist group, notably through Coordinated border patrols; the establishment of an intelligence unit and fusion; the adoption of sanctions Against Boko Haram Ansaru, hand and Their leaders; as well as through the support for Marginalized Areas and Their for vulnerable populations. The London meeting reaffirmed The Commitments made at the Paris Summit and Welcomed the progress Accomplished since then, PARTICULARLY the signing in Yaoundé, on 9 June 2014, of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit (Rifu). The Countries of the Region Pledged to a contribuer Each battalion to the MNJTF, while the partners Committed to Facilitate the early operationalization of the Offered Rifu and training to the Nigerian and regional strengths engaged in the Fight against Boko Haram and terrorist groups --other. The meeting reconnu That, in addition to law enforcement, military and intelligence cooperation, security and stability Can Be Achieved only through an approach That includes respect for human rights, alleviating contre la pauvreté et Creating Jobs, Strengthening the rule of law, Improving the education and protecting protective rights of women and girls.

 

1. Would That Council further Top recall, on 3 September 2014, the Countries of the Region convened Their 3 ^rd ministerial meeting in Abuja. That meeting Welcomed the progress made ??in the operationalization of the Rifu, the efforts of the Nigerian Government in setting up a fund in order to Alleviate the plight of the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency and the Measures taken to Strengthen the MNJTF. The meeting underscored the need to Log aussi Effectively address the sources of funding for, and the supply of weapons to, Boko Haram. At Their Extraordinary Summit or held-in Niamey, on 7 October 2014, the Heads of State and Government of the Member States and LCBC Benin Assessed the status and security Discussed a common strategy in the fight Against the Boko Haram terrorist group. The Summit Expressed icts determination to Reinforce the operational and intelligence capabilities of the Countries of the Region, as well as the coordination of the MNJTF. It Decided to finalize the deployment of the contingents Pledged by the LCBC Member States and Benin by 1 November 2014, and the establishment of the Headquarters MNJTF, by 20 November 2014. The 4 ^th ministerial meeting of the LCBC Member States and Benin, qui Took Place in Abuja, on 13 October 2014, committed to the implementation of the decisions of the Summit Niamey Regarding the establishment of the MNJTF Headquarters and the deployment by the Countries of the Region of the Pledged quotas, Within national borders Their. The meeting was draft resolution Agreed To Be Forwarded to the AU and the UN Security Council for the lathing to Authorize the operationalization of the MNJTF, call for the provision of the required international support and request the UN Secretary-General has to suit les Trust Fund for the Force. In a letter dated 17 October 2014, Addressed to the Commissioner for Peace and Security, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Niger, Chair of the LCBC, Formally Submitted to the AU the conclusions of the ministerial meeting, for the Necessary follow-up.

 

1. It Was Against this background That Council, 25 November 2014 at icts meeting, full Expressed Support for the establishment and deployment of the MNJTF, as an Appropriate Framework for Effectively neutralizing the Boko Haram terrorist group. It requested the Commission to urgently entreprendre consultations with Member States and the LCBC to avail Benin and The Necessary expertise in order to Identify and AGREE on the practical steps That Could Facilitate the early provision of the required international support, as requested by the ministerial meeting of 13 October 2014 derived, namely: (i) the adoption by the UN Security Council of a resolution Authorizing the Member States of the LCBC and Benin to deploy the MNJTF year for initial period of 12 months; (Ii) the establishment by the UN Secretary-General of a Trust Fund for the sustenance of the MNJTF operations; and (iii) the mobilization of the international financial and logistical Necessary support. As a follow-up, on 1 December 2014, the Commissioner for Peace and Security wrote to the Foreign Minister of Niger to Formally conveyed the Council's statement to the LCBC Member States and Benin, reiterating the AU's Support to the MNJTF and the overall efforts of the Countries of the Region, and Proposing, as a way forward, the Convening of a meeting of experts to Identify the practical steps taken to To Be Facilitate the achievement of the objective set by the Abuja ministerial meeting of 13 October 2014.

 

1. On 14 January 2015, the Government of Chad Pledged active medium in the Fight against Boko Haram. Subsequently, the Chadian National Assembly autorisée the Chadian army and security force to assist Cameroonian soldiers in the Fight against Boko Haram terrorists. Since then, Chadian soldiers-have-been Deployed in Northern Cameroon. In icts presidential statement of 19 January 2015, the UN Security Council Welcomed the vote by the Chadian National Assembly. The Security Council aussi Took notes of the decision of the LCBC Member States and Benin to operationalize the MNJTF, and urged the Countries of the Region to schedule further Top entreprendre Reviews towards the sustainable, viable and effective operationalization of the MNJTF. It Welcomed the support already being white Provided to the States in the Region and bilateral and multilateral partners Encouraged pour augmenter Their support. In my press release of 20 January 2015, I Welcomed the decision taken by Chad.

 

1. At Their 5 ^th ministerial meeting, the Countries of the Region was Agreed set of practical security steps, notably the establishment of the Headquarters of the MNJTF in Ndjamena, the establishment of a secure communications network for the security force operating in and around the Lake Chad Basin, and the finalization, as soon as possible, of the coordination and liaison cell To Be Established in Ndjamena. Furthermore, and as Indicated Above, the meeting requested me to submit a deferral on the regional and international efforts to fight Boko Haram, in order to enable Council Authorize the deployment of the MNJTF. The meeting requested the AU Commission aussi to organizes, in cooperation with the stakeholders within, a meeting of experts, in early February 2015, to finalize the concept of operations for the MNJTF. At the time of Finalizing this report, the Commission Was Taking the Necessary steps for the Convening of the Said meeting in Yaounde, Cameroon, from 5 to 7 February 2015. Other steps include Agreed upon the Convening of a donor's conference to Mobilize resources for the MNJTF, an appeal to the international partners to supporting the implementation of the strategy LCBC Against Boko Haram, the Increase of Humanitarian Assistance to the Affected populations, and a request to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to expedite the process Ongoing Relating to the crimes Against humanoid Committed by Boko Haram.

 

1. Furthermore, my Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, joined by the Permanent Representative of Niger to the AU and a Judge at the African Court on Human and People's Rights, undertook a solidarity visit to Abuja, from 7 to 12 December 2014. More SPECIFICALLY, the purpose of the visit was to echo the voices of the women of Nigeria and civil society organisms and Support Them In Their efforts to the bring to an end the ordeal of the girls kidnapped in Chibok, in April 2014, and forms of gender --other -based violence; express solidarity with the Government of Nigeria in ict efforts to neutralize the terrorist group Boko Haram; Enhance and advocacy for the respect of women and children's rights, Including through the effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of Children and the African Charter on the Rights of Women. The delegation puts with a number of civil society and Government stakeholders, as well as with the ECOWAS Commission.

 

1. III.                AUTHORIZATION FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE MNJTF

 

1. As Indicated Above, the Niamey ministerial meeting of 20 January 2015 requested Council to Authorize the deployment of the MNJTF and mandate the Force. Such a decision by Council is A Necessary first step in Securing the adoption by the UN Security Council of a resolution Authorizing the Member States of the LCBC and Benin to deploy the MNJTF and the establishment of Appropriate Support Mechanisms, Including a Trust Fund. Council Will recall That This Was the Process Followed with respect to previous and current AU peace operations support, Undertaken with the consent and support of the UN derived, namely the African-led Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA), the African-led Mission in Support the Central African Republic (MISCA) and the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), qui for the UN, in addition to Establishing a Trust Fund, aussi autorisée the provision of a package carrier Funded through Assessed contributions.

 

1. Furthermore, it Will Be Necessary to Develop a concept of operation That Would outline the objective of the Strategic MNJTF and address all aspects of the Planned under operation, Including command and control, supporting the concept, the rules of engagement, and guidelines on the protection Civilians That mainstream of the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) qui is a critical element for Obtaining A carrier for non-UN operations. The Commission already HAS Initiated The Necessary steps for the Convening in Yaoundé, from 5 to 7 February 2015 meeting of the technical experts That Would Develop the concept of operation --other and related documents.

 

1. While this process is Underway, it is recommended That, in the support of the efforts led by the LCBC Member States and Benin, Council Authorize the deployment of the MNJTF, for an initial period of twelve months renewable at the request of the Member States and LCBC Benin. In line with the overall objective set by the Countries of the Region DURING Their various meetings, as captured Above, It Is Proposed que la MNJTF BE mandated, Within icts Area of ??Operation (AoR) as Will Be Determined in the concept of operation, to :

 

 

1. create a safe and secure environment in the Areas Affected by the activities of Boko Haram terrorist groups --other and, in order to Significantly Reduce Violence Against Civilians and are abusing --other, Including sexual- and gender-based violence, in full compliance with international law, Including International Humanitarian Law and the UN HRDDP;

 

1. Facilitate the implementation of overall stabilization programs by the LCBC Member States and Benin in the Affected Areas, Including the full restoration of state authority and the return of IDPs and Refugees; and

 

1. Facilitate, dans le limit of ict capabilities, humanitarian operations and the delivery of aid to the Affected populations.

 

1. Within the framework of the mandate Outlined Above and icts in AoR, the MNJTF quotas Deployed Within Their national territories, May carry out a number of tasks. These include Will The Following:

 

                       i. Conducting military operations to prevent prevention expansion of the Boko Haram terrorist groups and activities --other and Eliminate Their presence;

 

                     ii. Facilitating operational coordination Amongst the Affected Countries in the Fight against Boko Haram and terrorist groups --other, Including on the Basis of the intelligence Collected by the LCBC Member States and Benin and / or availed by external partners;

 

                   iii. Encouraging and Facilitate the conduite of seal / simultaneous / Coordinated patrols and --other kinds of operations at the borders of the Affected Countries;

 

                    iv. Preventing all forms of transfer of arms and ammunition and the type of media to --other Boko Haram terrorist groups and --other;

 

                      v. Ensuring, Within icts capabilities, the Protection of Civilians under immediate threat, IDP and refugee camps, humanitarian workers and --other Civilian personnel;

 

                    vi. Actively searching for, and Freeing all abductees, Including the young girls abducted in Chibok in April 2014;

 

                  vii. entreprise effective psychological operations to encourage defections from Boko Haram and terrorist groups --other;

 

                viii. the Supporting, as maybe Appropriate, the initial phase of implementation of strategies for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of disengaged fighters Into Their Communities;

 

                    ix. Contributing to the improvement and institutionalization of civil-military coordination, Including the provision, upon request, to Humanitarian convoys of escorts;

                      x. the Supporting regional efforts to arrest and the bring justice to All Those responsible for war crimes and Crimes Against Humanity; and

 

                    xi. Ensuring the protection of the MNJTF staff, facilities and equipment.

 

1. As Indicated Above, the Countries of the Region-have Pledged Each one battalion to Be part of the MNJTF. HOWEVER, in view of the deterioration of the conditions on the ground, the possibility of Increasing the strength MNJTF Should Be Left open, to Provide the Member States of the LCBC and Benin with the flexibilité They need to Log adjust Their operational response to the dynamics of the conditions on the ground. Accordingly, it is recommended que la Countries of the Region: BE autorisée pour augmenter the strength of the MNJTF up to 7,500.

 

1. The Yaoundé meeting of experts Will Work on the required details for the blind in MNJTF to Effectively operate under the leadership and control of the LCBC Member States and Benin. This Will include details on command and control arrangements, as well as coordination with Mechanisms within national institutions, as well as with the AU and stakeholders --other, Whose role Mainly Would Be to Facilitate the mobilization of the Necessary financial, logistical and political support for the LCBC Member States and Benin. As directed by the ministerial meeting in Niamey, the CONOPS Should Be flexible, so as to Facilitate the provision, dans le framework of the MNJTF, Timely Support of bilateral and trilateral arrangement to SUCH AS the one entre Chad and Cameroon.

 

1. IV.                COMMENTS

 

1. I am Deeply Concerned by the Prevailing conditions as a result of terrorist activities Boko Haram, Including the recent escalation of violence Witnessed on the ground. The Continued attacks in northeastern Nigeria and the Increasing attacks in the Lake Chad Basin, along the border with Chad and Cameroon, and in the northern provinces of That country, the potential of destabilizing-have the Entire Region, with far reaching security and Humanitarian consequences. No efforts Should Be Spared, as share of the AU counter-terrorism agenda, to defeat this group.

 

1. Boko Haram's are abusing horrendous, unspeakable cruelty, total disregard for human lives, and wanton destruction of property are unmatched. The abduction of the young girls Chibok, the attack in Baga and the involvement of children coerced to act as suicide bombers, As Was Reportedly the box in Potiskum, mass killings of Civilians, Taking hostage, sexual slavery and acts --other horrendous, are in boxes item.

 

1.  I Reiterate my strong condemnation of the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group and once again, express the AU's full solidarity with the people and Government of Nigeria, as well as the people and Governments of Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The people of the area-have paid a heavy price to the scourge of terrorism. Their plight HAS To Be brought` urgently to an end.

 

1. I commend the Countries of the Region for Their Sustained efforts. I noted with satisfaction the steps taken to fully operationalize the MNJTF and has Facilitate Timely exchange of intelligence Among Them. As Underlined by Council, the MNJTF Provides an adequate framework for Effectively neutralizing Boko Haram terrorists --other and groups active in the area. Accordingly, the task ahead for the AU and the rest of the international community is to help the LCBC Member States and Benin fully operationalize the MNJTF and related l'autre They Have Established structures. There is no room for duplication of efforts or Any parallel initiative. It is with this in mind que la Proposals Contained in Paragraphs 19 to 22 of the present postponement are made. I recommend That Council endorse thesis Proposals.

 

1. I pay tribute to Chad for Responding Positively to Cameroon's request for assistance through the deployment of troops in the northern portion of Cameroon. This is a clear display of solidarity and further Top illustration of Chad's Continued commitment to the advancement of peace and security on the continent, as Exemplified by ict contribution to the liberation of northern Mali.

 

1. As Repeatedly Stressed by Council, the Boko Haram terrorist group activities are a serious threat not only to Nigeria and the area, goal aussi to the Entire continent. It is therefore critical que la African continent as a Whole The Necessary extend all the support to the LCBC Member States and Benin, in keeping with the Principles of African solidarity and indivisibility of peace and security on the continent, as Provided for in the under AU instruments , Including the Common African Defence and Security Policy of February 2003 and the AU Non-Aggression and Common African Defense Pact.

 

1. I call on the UN Security Council to adopt, in due course, a Resolution Authorizing the deployment of the MNJTF and Requesting the Secretary-General to suit les a Trust Fund, as requested by the Abuja ministerial meeting of 13 October 2014. I noted with satisfaction Provided the media already to the Countries of the Region by bilateral and multilateral partners. I urge em to stay the course and Enhance Their support, PARTICULARLY in the Areas of logistics, finance, equipment and intelligence. I call on members of the international --other community to join the fight Against the evil of terrorism in the area.

 

1. The urgency of Humanitarian Assistance to the Countries Affected populations and the hosting Nigerian Refugees can not Be Emphasized over. I call on the Humanitarian Agencies and the larger international community to Pursue Their support. Beyond the much needed security and military operations and the urgency provision of Humanitarian Assistance, national, regional and international efforts shoulds aussi focus on the improvement of the livelihoods and education, job inception, protection of human rights, Including That of women and girls, so have to address alienation and marginalization as the conditions Conducive to violent extremism and Attempts to legitimize the recourse to armed violence, Including terrorism.

 

 

 

COMMENTS