The United Kingdom, Friday welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee’s decision to add Boko Haram to its list of groups subject to financial and arms sanctions.
Under the terms of the sanctions list, it is currently an offence for any individual or entity to provide financial or material support to Boko Haram, including the provision of arms or recruits.
The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, while speaking on the sanctions, noted that the United Kingdom had shown its strong support for securing the listing and co-sponsored Nigeria’s proposal.
He disclosed that Britain was the first country to proscribe Boko Haram, and that the country was pleased to support Nigeria’s demand that the UN take action.
“I welcome the listing of Boko Haram by the UN Security Council’s al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
“Boko Haram is an inhumane organisation that has no respect for religion or belief or a persons’ right to decide their way of life. Attacks by these violent extremists are causing suffering in communities across Nigeria.
“Britain was the first country to proscribe Boko Haram and was pleased to support Nigeria’s demand that the UN take action.
“At the Paris Summit on Security in Nigeria, Nigeria’s neighbours, the UK, US and European Union all agreed to pursue sanctions against Boko Haram at the UN. This demonstrates the international community’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to tackle terrorism,” he said.
