Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (Paris, July 24, 2014)

Nigeria – Fight against terrorism (July 23, 2014)
Somalia – Murder of a female lawmaker (Mogadishu, July 23, 2014)
South Sudan – Appointment of Ellen Margrethe Loj as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (July 23, 2014)

Nigeria – Fight against terrorism (July 23, 2014)

France welcomes the commitment made yesterday in Niamey by the heads of state of Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad to contribute to a multinational force to combat the terrorist threat in Nigeria, within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

This commitment is in line with the action plan defined at the Paris Summit for Security in Nigeria on May 17 and the follow-up meeting on June 12 in London aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism while ensuring respect for human rights.

This decision is a positive step forward in the fight against terrorism, while yet another attack yesterday resulted in mass casualties in Kaduna in the northern part of the country. We condemn this horrific act and extend our condolences to the victims’ families.

Somalia – Murder of a female lawmaker (Mogadishu, July 23, 2014)

We were saddened to learn of the murder yesterday in Mogadishu of Saado Ali Warsame, a courageous female lawmaker and committed artist.

France extends its condolences to her family and to all Somali people.

There should be no impunity for this crime, for which those responsible must be brought to justice.

France stands alongside the Somali federal government in its fight against terrorism and its efforts to stabilize the country.

South Sudan – Appointment of Ellen Margrethe Loj as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (July 23, 2014)

France welcomes the appointment of Ellen Margrethe Loj as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan.

Given the political, security and humanitarian crisis, the Security Council has set out 3 priorities for this mission: the protection of civilians, respect for human rights and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance. Ms. Loj will be responsible for implementing this mandate in order to help improve the situation of the civilian populations and re-establish peace.

Ms. Loj will be able to count on France’s support in carrying out her mission.