The United States Government says it will in 2021 contribute technical assistance in the Federal and State Government’s efforts to follow-through on #EndSARS commitments.
US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard stated this in an op-ed titled, “Looking Back on 2020 with a sense of optimism toward 2021” released on Tuesday.
Recall that for more than two weeks in October, Nigerian youths trooped to the streets to demand an end to police brutality.
This forced the Federal and state governments to make some commitments as highlighted by the #EndSARS protesters, including compensation for victims of police brutality among others.
The Ambassador stated that the US government would seek ways to ensure that the commitments were implemented.
This is just as she vowed that the US government would consider consequences including visa restrictions for election riggers.
The op-ed read in part, “The United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy. Nigerian youth mobilized and brought international attention to police abuse and successfully called for police reforms.
“We will seek opportunities in 2021 to contribute technical assistance in the national and state-level efforts to follow-through on #EndSARS commitments.
“In November, we welcomed Counselor Brechbühl’s delegation who came to raise U.S. government concerns about ongoing violence in Nigeria, human rights, and religious freedom, and to enhance U.S.-Nigerian cooperation in preventing atrocities.
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“This past year we encouraged all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and security services, to make significant improvements to electoral processes.
“We congratulate INEC and the Nigerian people for the credible and largely peaceful Edo and Ondo State elections where voters felt their votes counted. We support public monitoring groups, such as YIAGA, to build public confidence in election results. Moving forward, the United States will continue to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organizing election-related violence.”
She also promised that the US government would in 2021 continue to assist Nigeria in efforts to rid the West African nation of terror.
“Finally, no country can advance the well-being of its people without peace and security. Our ongoing U.S. security cooperation programs with Nigeria include equipment sales, grants, education, and training programs.
“Countering Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa remain top priorities for both of our nations. Maritime security cooperation, through joint exercises such as Obangame Express, demonstrate the strength of our partnership to end piracy and encourage economic activity in the Gulf of Guinea,” Leonard stated.