U.S.-Nigeria Bi-National Commission: Joint Communiqué Of The Regional Security Cooperation Working Group
The Regional Security Cooperation Working Group meeting was held on August 15, 2013 in Abuja, Nigeria. The meeting was co-Chaired from the Nigeria side by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador (Dr.) Martin I. Uhomoibhi and from the United States side, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman.
The Nigerian delegation included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of the National Security Adviser, Ministry of Defence, Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Security, National Intelligence Agency, Borno State Government and Civil Society Organization while the United States delegation included officials from the Department of State, Department of Defense, the United States Agency for International Development, and the White House.
Recognizing the importance and urgency of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, the United States Government and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria reiterated their commitment to advancing good governance and civilian security in order to lead to lasting peace, democracy, and prosperity for all Nigerian citizens.
Both countries acknowledged that terrorism poses a threat to Nigeria's national development, regional stability, and global security. In this regard, they expressed determination and commitment to further improve and support measures put in place by the Nigerian government to address the security challenges.
Both countries noted the fundamental responsibility of government to preserve life, protect the population, and fairly administer justice. Both countries agreed on the importance of good governance, accountability, and economic development in building a prosperous and peaceful future for all Nigerians. The Executive Governor of Borno State reaffirmed the importance of state government in building peace and prosperity and his commitment to good governance, accountability, and economic development towards resolving ongoing conflict in northern Nigeria.
The Nigerian government committed to ensuring the protection of the fundamental human rights of all citizens, including terrorism suspects. Both countries will seek to collaborate on communications strategies to engage communities in Nigeria on issues of peace and security.
The Nigerian government affirmed its commitment to further enhance the professional capacity of the security forces to respond to internal conflicts and extremist violence while protecting human rights. As part of this effort, the U.S. Government affirmed its commitment to assist the Nigerian Police Force to identify areas of increased partnership.
Recognizing a joint desire to further strengthen bilateral relations, the U.S. and Nigerian governments resolve to partake in more persistent engagement and cooperation on security matters, working through the United States Embassy in Abuja. The United States committed to supporting Nigeria in pursuing holistic and comprehensive solutions to address security and development needs in northern Nigeria.
The Nigerian and U.S. governments intend to follow up on these commitments and seek further collaboration to address the challenges identified in the Regional Security Cooperation Working Group.
Both countries plan to seek participation from the private sector, civil society, local governments, and other democratic partner countries in the next meeting of the Regional Security Cooperation Working Group.
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Major General Bello Sarkin –Yaki Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman
Head of Counter-Terrorism Under Secretary for Political Affairs
Office of the National Security Adviser U.S. State Department
For: Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs