Nigeria: Top 6 Issues John Kerry Might Discuss With Buhari

The United States secretary of state, John Kerry is in Nigeria to meet with the President Muhammadu Buhari. Kerry will then meet with five governors from the northern part of the country.

The meeting will take place behind closed doors, and journalists will only be allowed in the press gallery of Aso Rock. It was also stated that, only videographers and photojournalists would be granted access into the forecourt of the Villa as well as to the meeting, which will take place in the Grey room of the President’s office. We present 6 important agenda that may dominate the meeting:

1.    Boko Haram

 The subject of the Boko Haram insurgency is likely to feature prominently in the discussion. This explains why Kerry also wants to meet with governors from the northern part of the country after he meets with Buhari. This is more important especially as the recent air strike on Boko Haram militants led to the wounding of their proclaimed leader; Abubakar Shekau.

2.    Internally Displaced Persons

 Also the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) will likely be discussed , especially as there has been reports of the suffering people face in various IDP camps. The UN has stated that it is aware of the allegations of diversion of funds and relief materials, especially food items meant for humanitarian purposes even as the IDPs in the North-East of the country and is investigating.

3.    Multinational task force

 The multinational task force made up of soldiers from Chad, Niger Republic, Cameroon and Benin which was set up by countries to stop the spread of Boko Haram and curb terror will likely also be on the list of things to be discussed. Recently,  the Human Rights Watch has insisted that the taskforce protect human rights as it fights the menace of terrorism.

4.    ISIS

 Initially, the terror and havoc caused by terrorists belonging to the Islamic State was only major felt by those directly affected. However, since Boko Haram has also declared itself a part of ISIS, it is likely that John Kerry will discuss this new angle of terrorism with President Buhari.

5.    Bilateral relations

It goes without saying that the main thrust of the visit will include ways to cement the bonds between both countries. Since the job of the secretary of state includes taking care of foreign policy, it is very possible that the discussion will include how the US foreign policies will affect Nigeria.

6. Niger Delta Avengers

 The Niger Delta Avengers impasse with the Nigerian federal government will also likely come up in today’s discussion as it affects the stability and security not just in the Niger Delta, but also the entire country. The meeting which is currently ongoing is very likely going to impact in positive ways on Nigeria, Nigerian policies and the ongoing fight against insurgency.