Buhari Seeks International Support For Military, IDPs

President Muhammadu Buhari-official-portrait

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged member-states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), development partners and the international community to assist security personnel, victims and countries affected by Boko Haram insurgency.

A statement by the Spokesperson, Nigerian Mission to the United Nations, Mr Akinremi Bolaji, quoted the president as making the call in his speech at the 17th Summit of NAM at the Island of Margarita in Venezuela.

NAM is a group of states which are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.

Buhari stressed the need to provide assistance to member-countries that had been affected by the atrocities of Boko Haram, and also relief to the Internally Displaced Persons and refugees.

He explained that twin scourge of terrorism and violent extremism had continued to wreak havoc in Nigeria and countries around the Lake Chad Basin.

According to him, thousands of nationals have been killed and maimed in addition to the millions displaced from their homes.

He, however, stated that the capacity of Boko Haram had been severely degraded with huge sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and those of Multinational Joint Task Force.

While noting that the situation in some other parts of the world such as Libya, Iraq and Syria had continued to be a major concern, Buhari urged support for the peace process in those countries.

He said, “It is essential that the Non-Aligned Movement finds a role for itself in addressing these challenges so as to retain its relevance in the world of today and in the future.

“In addressing the challenge of resource mobilisation and flows for sustainable development of our countries, our collective solidarity is required now more than ever before, to uphold the Bandung Principles.

“I need not stress that cooperation among nations is an essential condition for global peace, security and a just world and economic order anchored on democratic values.’’