I remain deeply concerned by the threat to peace and security represented by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab. These groups continue to launch attacks and commit grave human rights violations against civilian populations, particularly women and girls. The government has consistently condemned their brutal actions and we continue to work with EU and UN partners to promote peace and security and coordinate our humanitarian responses so that we can protect and assist those affected. The exact number of women and girls being held captive by Boko Haram is hard to verify and many, including girls kidnapped from Chibok in 2014, have yet to be released. During this past week, a majority of the over 100 girls recently abducted from Dapchi were returned.
Ireland and the EU remain strong and consistent supporters of peace and stability in both the Lake Chad region and Somalia, and with the support of the international community, the Nigerian Government and regional security forces have continued to make progress in the fight against Boko Haram. The EU has contributed up to €50 million in support of the Multinational Joint Taskforce, where Nigeria and neighbouring countries promote regional security.
The EU also provides considerable funding to AMISOM, the African Union-led peacekeeping mission in Somalia, to combat the serious threat posed by Al-Shabaab and support the establishment of Somalia’s government institutions. The EU provides further support to capacity building operations in the areas of maritime law enforcement and military training.
We are working with EU and UN partners to implement a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of radicalisation in both regions. This includes the promotion of peace and giving people access to decent work and livelihoods, including via the EU’s Instrument contributing to Peace and Stability (IcSP) and the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), to which Ireland has pledged €6 million to 2020.
We continue to work with our EU and UN partners to provide life-saving assistance to those affected by the humanitarian crises exacerbated by the actions of Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram. In 2017, Ireland provided €6 million in humanitarian assistance to Somalia and €5.2 million to Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region. I expect Ireland will provide a similar level of support in 2018.
We will continue to closely monitor the evolving security and humanitarian situations through our Embassies in Nairobi and Abuja in order to coordinate our responses effectively with the EU and UN.
