Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the activities of Boko Haram are being or can be curtailed or restricted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3689/24]
View answerWe have consistently condemned the continuing violence by Boko Haram against innocent civilians.
Ireland supports the work of the EU and the UN to reduce the influence of Boko Haram and to prevent its attacks. In the Lake Chad Basin, where Boko Haram is active, Ireland is playing its part in helping to tackle the consequences of armed conflict and forced displacement. Since 2015, we have provided over €37 million in bilateral assistance for the Lake Chad region, including North-East Nigeria. This includes funding to Concern Worldwide, Goal, and Plan International Ireland, as well as to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). As a Member State, Ireland also contributes to the significant European Union development and humanitarian response in countries affected by Boko Haram violence.
Ireland is also contributing directly to peace and security efforts. Through the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the UN Peacebuilding Commission, the UN is working to stabilise the Lake Chad region. During Ireland's term on the Security Council we were co-penholder with Niger and subsequently Ghana on the UNOWAS file. Ireland is also a member of the International Support Group of the Regional Stabilisation Strategy for the Lake Chad Basin, and has observer status at the Sahel Alliance Both are forums which enable donors to coordinate support in addressing the challenges in Boko Haram-affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin.
