Boko Haram must be tackled globally: African Union

Xinhua

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Boko Haram is a global threat that must be tackled globally, but with Africa in lead, Nkosazan Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, has said.

The chairperson made the remark on Monday at the opening of the 26th ordinary session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

"I am deeply horrified by the tragedy Boko Haram continues to inflict on our people, kidnapping young girls from school, torching villages, terrorizing communities and the senseless killings," she said, underlining the need to act collectively against the threat.

"What started off as a localized criminal gang is now spreading into West and Central Africa. We must act now, and act collectively against this progressing threat," she said.

The AU Commission has accelerated its ongoing consultations with member states and other partners on how to deal with Boko Haram, she said, adding that it would be on the agenda of the Peace and Security Council during the 24th AU summit scheduled for Jan. 30 to 31.

The chairperson expressed her deep appreciation to AU peacekeepers across Afirca for their heroic contribution to peace and service of their continent and people.