Germany calls for proactive steps in fighting Boko Haram

Germany wants to be more involved in supporting the victims of Boko Haram. That was announced by Foreign Minister Steinmeier, during his two day visit to Nigeria.

The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram has been fighting against the government in the northeast of Nigeria. This year alone, the group has killed more than 2,500 people – mostly civilians such as Hanatu Maracus' husband. A glimmer of hope sprang up about two weeks ago when Alex Badeh, Chief of the General Staff of the Nigerian Army, announced a ceasefire agreement between the government and the Islamists. The agreement, however, was short-lived. Just a day later, new attacks by boko Haram in which several people died, were reported.

During his visit to Nigeria, Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier who is travelling together with his French counterpart Laurent Fabius, made it clear that Germany wants to get more involved in Nigeria. "We were urgently asked to give assistance programs for traumatized victims of Boko Haram. Germany and France could work together on this, "said Steinmeier. Talks are also underway on how the two countries could help in training police officers and in border management. This is because many Boko Haram fighters normally cross the boarder to neighboring countries such as Cameroon, soon after they have carried out attacks on the Nigerian soil.

After talking to political and civil society representatives, it become clear to Steinmeier that it is difficult to negotiate a truce with Boko Haram. "There are obviously competing groups within the organization and also free riders," said the Foreign Minister. Therefore, more relevant groups within the organizational structure of Boko Haram should be included in the peace negotiations.