Iran announced that it is prepared to join the coalition against Boko Haram taking shape between five African countries. Five African Union countries have agreed to deploy 7500 military troops to fight against Boko Haram insurgency in north west Nigeria.
On Saturday January 31 head of African Union’s Peace and Security Council, Samil Chergui announced the decision in the Council’s 48th council session of the African Union.
The decision comes after heads of African governments have called for an end to the insecurity perpetuated by the actions of Boko Haram in Africa.
54 African leaders gathered for a two day meeting in Ethiopia ending on Saturday January 31 and Nigerian News Agency reports that the African Union’s Peace and Security Council have issued a resolution to create a 7500 multinational force to fight Boko Haram. the move has already received approval from the UN.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Hossein Amirabdolahian participated in the meeting and in a press conference announced that Iran is prepared to cooperate with the efforts of the African Union against terrorism.
Boko Haram has increased its attacks of late in Nigeria which is now preparing for elections on February 14.
AmirAbdolahian said Iran regards Boko Haram and Daesh (ISIS) as two sides of the same coin and accused Western countries of supporting ISIS forces in Iraq and Syria.
