EU declares Boko Haram a terrorist organisation

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A day after the United Nations designated Boko Haram a terrorist organisation the European Union followed suit condemning its unacceptable violent crimes.

“The listing of Boko Haram should contribute to efforts to put an end to its criminal activities,” a statement issued by EU External Action said.

In recent weeks Boko Haram has been responsible for kidnapping more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls and the deaths of dozens of people shot in Nigeria’s Borno state.

The statement went on to say declaring boko Haram a terrorist organisation was an illustration of the European body’s firm commitment to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism while upholding the rule of law and human rights.

Boko Haram has now been added to the lists of persons, groups and entities covered by the freezing of funds and economic resources under EC Regulation 881/2002 with (EU) Commission Implementing Regulation No 583/2014 of 28 May 2014. The EU Act was published in the EU Official Journal and entered into force on 29 May 2014.

Boko Haram, whose name translates loosely from the Hausa language spoken widely in northern Nigeria as “Western education is forbidden” has carried out a great number of violent attacks that have targeted all sections of Nigerian society and most recently evidenced by the kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls on April 14. The terrorist group under its current leader Shekau is principally active in northern Nigeria but has increasingly worsened and expanded its attacks. The EU has repeatedly and firmly condemned the group’s violence, expressed full solidarity with the victims and their families and is supporting efforts by Nigeria and partners against such criminal acts.

The EU decision was adopted as matter of urgency in the wake of UN sanctions, illustrating the EU continued support to the multilateral system of international relations, peace and stability.