The United States of America, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013 gave a boost to Nigeria’s fight against the Islamist Fundamentalist terrorist sect, the Boko Haram, when it pledged to assist her tackle the scourge.

The US Embassy Information Office disclosed that the Department of State has designated Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended and as specially Designated Global Terrorists under Section 1(b) of the Executive Order 13224.

“The policy implies that the US Department of State amended its laws to incorporate Boko Haram and Ansaru specifically as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO).

The consequences of the designation, according to Washington is that: “These FTO and E.O. 13224 designations include a prohibition against knowingly providing, or attempting or conspiring to provide material support or resources to or engaging in transactions with Boko Haram and Ansaru, and the freezing of all property and interests of the organizations that are in the United States, or come within the United States or control of US persons.  The Department of State took these actions in consideration with the Departments of Justice and Treasury”.

Beyond the formal designation of the two groups as terror organizations, the US Government also made formal commitment to assist Nigeria fight the groups.  It said the designation is one of the steps to fighting and conquering the groups.

And at a larger scale, the designations are an important and appropriate step, but only one tool is what must be a comprehensive approach the Nigerian Government  should counter these groups through a combination of law enforcement, political and development efforts, as well as military engagement, to help root out violent extremism while also addressing the legitimate concerns of the people of Northern Nigeria.

US noted further that: “All our assistance to Nigeria stresses the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring that human rights are respected.  That assistance and designations demonstrate US support for the Nigerian peoples fight against Boko Haram and Ansaru.

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