The United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Samantha Power, has said that Nigeria would need to revise its military tactics against the insurgency in the North if it intends to win the war against terrorism in the country.
The envoy was particularly advising Nigeria not to employ crude methods of combating terrorism such as not differentiating between innocent bystanders and and legitimate targets.
Addressing civil society organizations in Abuja before a meeting with the President, Ms. Power said, “The United States is concerned by some of the stories we hear of inhumane detention practices in Nigeria, and I have discussed this with officials here. Security crackdowns that do not discriminate between legitimate targets and innocent civilians are both counterproductive and wrong.
“We know how hard it is to fight insurgency and terrorism, but we have also seen how much more effective we are when we put the welfare of the local population at the heart of our efforts.”
She commended President Jonathan’s plan to halt terrorism in the country but said he would need to put it into effect sooner than later in order for his regime to reap the fruits of the strategy.
Her words: “I was pleased to hear President Jonathan’s announcement earlier this month of his development plan for the North-East. Efforts to fight poverty, create jobs, and respect the dignity and rights of all people would help lay a foundation for longer term progress. My government will be urging President Jonathan to fulfil his commitment to implement his plan as soon as possible.”
She applauded the efforts of CSOs in the country and their strides in the fight against corruption, and other human rights violations.
Power said, “In Nigeria, civil society organisations like yours have tirelessly advocated for increasing the credibility of elections and citizens’ participation in the electoral process, which is so vital for any democracy. You all have also worked to highlight the impact of poor governance and public corruption on the average Nigerian citizen who wants to contribute meaningfully to society.
“Tragically, we have both been targeted by terrorists. The brutality of the attacks against your people is shocking. In responding to these attacks, it is essential that we do so consistent with the most fundamental of international human rights norms.”
She said the US was concerned about the flawed elections in Anambra in November and would watch closely the next elections in Ekiti and Osun.
“The 2015 election will draw global attention and can – if you push hard enough – prove a model for all of Africa, if they are free, fair, and transparent,” she added.