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       US Concerned About 'Continuing' Abuses by Nigerian Security Forces

   by Scott Stearns

   The United States is concerned about what it says are "continuing"
   human rights abuses by Nigerian security forces in their fight against
   Islamic militants. It is part of the agenda of U.S. Secretary of State
   John Kerry at the African Union summit in Ethiopia.
   When Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan announced a state of
   emergency against Boko Haram militants earlier this month, U.S.
   officials expressed concern about a "heavy-handed" response by some
   security forces in northern communities.
   Briefing reporters ahead of Kerry's talks here at the African Union
   summit, a senior State Department official said Washington has
   monitored the conduct of Nigerian forces during this state of emergency
   and concludes that human rights abuses are continuing.
   The official said, "It still remains a concern for us," along with
   "peace, stability in the north and human rights issues."
   Human rights groups and some northern leaders have complained about
   reprisal attacks by Nigerian security forces that only serve to further
   alienate local populations, making it harder to gain information about
   the Boko Haram group.
   Jonathan has ordered an investigation into alleged misconduct during
   security operations in the village of Baga, and he and Kerry are
   expected to discuss the campaign against Boko Haram in talks on the
   sidelines of the AU summit.
   Kerry will meet separately with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed
   Karti and with South Sudan's president, Salva Kiir. Those talks are
   expected to focus on issues of border security and the agreement
   between Sudan and South Sudan that has resumed oil exports.
   ''Kerry will hold talks with African Union Commission chair Nkosazana
   Dlamini-Zuma on peacekeeping for northern Mali, and security in both
   Somalia and East Africa's Great Lakes region.
   Kerry also will consult with United Nations Secretary-General Ban
   Ki-moon on broad issues of African security and preparations for peace
   talks on Syria's civil war. U.S. officials say the secretary of state
   will stop in Paris on his way home from this trip to meet with Russian
   Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about those talks on Syria, as well.
   While in Ethiopia, Kerry will meet with Egyptian President Mohamed
   Morsi to discuss economic reforms and prospects for Middle East peace,
   as well as with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who is
   the current chair of the African Union.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/us-concerned-about-continuing-abuses-
   by-nigerian-forces/1668102.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/us-concerned-about-continuing-abuses-by-nigerian-forces/1668102.html