The American government has given explanation to why the Nigerian military is facing difficulties in getting arms from the United states to face the Boko Haram sect in the north-east region of Nigeria.
Without the inability to procure arms from the united states, the Nigerian government has tried to purchase arms fm south Africa as an alternative measure, when the aircraft carrying $9.3mllion to south Africa was seized by the South African government.
Since the seizure the some Nigerians have accused the Americans of weakening the country’s war against terrorism.
James Entwistle, the American ambassador to Nigeria said cases of human right by Nigerian troops in the north -east in the past years have stood out as a sore thumb as the United States considers the Nigerian military’s request for arms.
During a working visit to the American University of Nigeria, AUN at Yola, Mr. James Entwistle said, “Before we share equipment with any country, whether it is a government to government grant or a commercial sale that requires government approval, we look at a couple of things,” he explained, “Does it make sense in terms of that country’s needs?
“The second thing we look at is the human rights situation in that country. And as we look at equipment transfers, we look at the situation in those countries in the past few years. And as you all know, there have been instances (I’m not saying across the board) of human rights abuses by the Nigerian military in the North-East.
“So the kind of question that we have to ask is let’s say we give certain kinds of equipment to Nigerian military that is then used in a way that affects human situation. If I approve that, I’m responsible for that. We take that responsibility very seriously.”
Mr. James Entwistle, said the United State has not completely cut military aid for Nigeria that both countries are still sharing equipments.
He said, “Some of the newest vessels in your navy came from the United States. So the idea that the United States does not share equipment with Nigeria across the board is untrue”.
He promised that the United States would continue to support Nigeria in the war against the Boko Haram Sect.
He said, “I had the honor of sitting down and talking to him (President Jonathan). And the first thing I said to him is ‘Mr. President, I want to be very clear, the United States stands with Nigeria on the war on terror’.”
He said, “I would say as we support the military in the struggle against Boko Haram, obviously equipment is part of the equation but I think it’s more than that”,
“It bothers me when I talk to soldiers in the North-East and they say they are in the frontline with only a few bullets.
“I think what’s more important is the basic needs of soldiers on the field, making sure … they are well trained and they have ammunition for their rifles. If you don’t focus on taking care of welfare of soldiers on the ground, buying hi-tech equipment does not solve anything”.
In his speech, he commended the university for its support for some of the kidnapped Chibok girls who escaped from their abductors, and for setting up the Adamawa Peace Initiative, which is working to establish peace and tranquility in the state.
Source: aitnews
