Boko Haram: US Under-Secretary Visits Nigeria, Chad And Cameroon
Update: Sarah Sewall is already in Nigeria. She was received by President Muhammadu Buhari few minutes ago in Abuja.
Ms Sarah Sewall, the United States Under-Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights would be visiting Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon from Oct. 25 to Nov. 3.
The U.S. Department of State said in a statement that her visit to the three countries would focus on civilian security, fight against Boko Haram and also violent extremism in the region.
The statement said that the visit would also afford the U.S. official the opportunity to discuss the dire humanitarian and stabilization needs in the Lake Chad Basin region.
“The U.S. Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Sarah Sewall, will travel to Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon October 25 – November 3, 201,” reads the statement.
“The trip will focus on civilian security, with emphasis on the fight against Boko Haram, violent extremism and the dire humanitarian and stabilization needs in the Lake Chad Basin region,’’ it said.
Sewall’s itinerary
Sewall will be meeting with Nigerian government representatives, civil society as well as the international community. The need for political resolution of the crisis in the Niger-Delta will be the topic for discussion.
According to it, Sewall will also be meeting with women and girls recently released by Boko Haram on their challenges and also re-integration into the society.
The statement also announced her plans to meet with inter-faith and civil society leaders. Their roles in fighting corruption, management of violent ideologies and also religious sentiments in Nigeria will be up for discussions.
“Sewall will also travel to Chad to meet representatives from government, civil society and the United Nations. She will be discussing Boko-haram-associated humanitarian challenges and countering violent extremism.
“In Yaoundé, Cameroon, Sewall will meet with government officials, UN agencies and civil society groups. She will be discussing challenges posed by Boko Haram and also strategies for addressing drivers of violent extremism,’’ it said.
NAN
