Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 October 2018
66. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the activities of Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram are being curtailed on the African continent; the ongoing actions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40552/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 consistently condemns their brutal actions. Ireland continues to work with EU and UN partners to promote peace and security in the affected areas, and to coordinate our humanitarian responses so that those affected can be most effectively protected and assisted.
Ireland and the EU are strong and consistent supporters of the work to build peace and stability in both the Lake Chad region and Somalia. With international support, 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 its 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).
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 €6.7 million in humanitarian assistance to Somalia and €5.2 million to Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region. To date in 2018 Ireland has provided over €4.8 million in humanitarian funding and over €2.4 million in development funding to the Lake Chad region, as well as €5.5 million in humanitarian funding to Somalia.
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.
