The African Union (AU) has reiterated its continued support to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) fighting against the Boko Haram terrorist group. Smail Chergui, AU commissioner for peace and security, made the pledge during his meeting with senior military leadership of MNJTF fighting the Boko Haram, according to an AU statement. The meeting was to discuss the security situation in the MNJTF area of responsibility and other issues relating to enhancing the efficiency of MNJTF operations, said the statement. It stated that the delegation was composed of the Force Commander for MNJTF, Deputy Force Commander, the Chief of Staff and Head AU Liaison Office in Chad. The AU commissioner has commended MNJTF efforts aimed at “eliminating the terrorist group and bringing back the situation in the region to normalcy.” Chergui also noted the increasing number of Boko Haram terrorists surrendering to MNJTF forces, with particular reference to the reporting of 325 fighters with their families to the MNJTF last week in Chad. “It was observed that the situation calls for specialised organisations to handle the group in order to prevent them from re-joining the terrorist group. It was further noted that the humanitarian situation in the MNJTF area of responsibility is worsening and this called for immediate intervention.” Chergui reiterated the need for the international community to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of the people in the MNJTF area of responsibility, as well as the Commission’s continued support to MNJTF in fighting Boko Haram. Agencies
