Use Nigerian elections to stop Boko Haram, says Obama

23 marzo 2015

1 min di lettura

(AGI) Washington, Mar 23 - U.S. President Barack Obama weighedin on the upcoming Nigerian elections by calling for a stop toBoko Haram. "Boko Haram - a brutal terrorist group that killsinnocent men, women and children - must be stopped," PresidentObama told the Nigerian people on Monday. In a video message,he said they had "a historic opportunity to help write the nextchapter of Nigeria's progress - by voting in the upcomingelections. For elections to be credible, they must be free,fair and peaceful. All Nigerians must be able to cast theirvotes without intimidation or fear." Boko Haram "wants todestroy Nigeria and all that you have worked to build. Bycasting your ballot, you can help secure your nation'sprogress. So I call on all leaders and candidates to make itclear to their supporters that violence has no place indemocratic elections - and that they will not incite, supportor engage in any kind of violence - before, during or after thevotes are counted. In this task of advancing the security,prosperity and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continueto have a friend and partner in the United States of America,"Mr Obama concluded. Boko Haram has killed more than 13,000people since 2009, and has kidnapped hundreds more, especiallywomen and children. No more news has been forthcoming on the200 schoolgirls seized in Nigeria last April.. .