Boko Haram: Solution can only come through regional effort — French Envoy

French Ambassador to Nigeria, Denys GAUER has said that to successfully combat Boko Haram, the solution can come only through a common, regional effort.

GAUER who pointed out that Nigeria has a central role to play in the fight, said France would not relent in its effort at providing the Nigerian forces with intelligence and military cooperation.

GAUER stated this during the celebration of his country’s National Day in Abuja.

He said though his country is strongly supporting the neighbouring countries and encouraging them to closely cooperate with Nigeria as well, concerted effort is needed to nip the activities of the sect in the bud.

“In the field of security, we have been working hand in hand over the last year, since the regional summit organised in Paris in May 2014. France is fighting terrorism everywhere; in Iraq and Syria of course. When terrorists were on the verge of simply taking over Mali, we intervened to help that country. Later on, we extended our effort to the whole Sahelian region, and to prevent threats coming for the uncontrolled south of Libya.

“You may have known also that President Hollande was in Yaoundé, Cameroon, some days ago. He met President Biya, he encouraged him to work with Nigeria closely. President Hollande, during that visit, also said that if it is needed, we will be ready to organise another summit. So  we are doing all that is possible to encourage real regional cooperation for common fight against Boko Haram,” he said