Highlights
- The US has embarked on a mission to train African soldiers in the West African countries most targeted by the Boko Haram militants.
- The training which began October 19 is being conducted in Niger.
- More training will follow for armies in Cameroon, Nigeria and Chad.
- US officials have confirmed that the Niger government asked for the training.
Summary and Analysis
The new US training mission in Niger involves about 40 US soldiers. They have already kicked off the training mission aimed to instill capability in African soldiers to counter Boko Haram insurgence.
US officials said training will include basic soldier skills, teaching small-arms shooting, as well as handling intelligence know-hows to stymie militants.
Commander of US Army Africa Major General Daryl Williams said the training benefits the African nations and the United States, adding that it benefits Nigeria military personnel and US Army soldiers sharing mutual security goal of regional stability and security in Africa.
Last month, US President Barack Obama informed the Congress on Wednesday 14th October deploy up to 300 military personnel to Cameroon to help fight Boko Haram insurgents in the country.
The troops would offer intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations against militant Boko Haram insurgents.
Analysts have criticized the US move in aiding Nigeria’s neighbours in fighting Boko Haram when the former has not shown much commitment to extend aid to Nigeria. This is despite calls from Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari for support from the US.
Armed with expert military capability, Niger soldiers would be expected to counter Boko Haram militants spill over in their country , as well as fight in the regional task force already in place and fighting the militants. The task force is made of troops from Niger, Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria and Benin.
The mission is the best strategic move taken by the US as it will be instrumental in preventing militant spill over in countries neighbouring Nigeria as this could make the terrorist group, which intends to curve a caliphate in West Africa, stronger. It would be even more effective if the mission were extended to the other countries in the region, including Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria and Benin.
