UN chief calls for solidarity against Ebola to remain on course

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon has called for solidarity to remain on course until the epidemic is defeated from every country and throughout the next phase of recovery.

Speaking to reporters at a press briefing here on Saturday, the UN chief commended collaborative efforts made to fight against Ebola, which has affected countries in West African sub-region.

Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone are the three hardest-hit countries by Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa.

African Union (AU) member states have contributed resources, expertise, and supplies with the deployment of hundreds of workers to the most-affected countries.

Ban lauded the collaborative efforts made to address the epidemic, which he said is one of the most daunting challenges faced Africa.

"This mobilization is an inspiring example of national, regional, and international collaboration, and it is paying off. As I saw during my visit to the Ebola-affected countries, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali, the epidemic is far from over. But, we are beginning to turn the tide," he said.

"We must continue to demonstrate the same solidarity until Ebola is gone from every country and throughout the next phase of recovery," underlined the UN chief.

Collaboration on peace and security is one of the most important elements of the UN-AU partnership, he said, adding, UN joint efforts with regional partners have made some progress in Burkina Faso, Central African Republic (CAR), Mali, Somalia, and South Sudan.

He underlined the need to continue on the path and even more work together towards ensuring peace and stability on the continent.

"Terrorism, cross-border crime and other transnational threats continue to challenge us," he noted.

On the Boko Haram group, the secretary-general underlined that it demands stronger and more coordinated action from all.

"Regional and international efforts must focus on protecting communities in northern Nigeria and across borders; more than one million internally displaced people and refugees must be able to return home. We must stop the advance of this terrorist group," he said.

He also reiterated his call for immediate and unconditional release of those who have been abducted, particularly the girls from Chibo.

Ban said he strongly supports and welcomes the decision by the AU to establish a multinational joint task force known as MNJTF to address Boko Haram.

The secretary-general underlined the need to have regional and international coordination and cooperation to address challenges posed by terrorism across the world.

"I am asking that those terrorists should be addressed by regional and international coordination and cooperation. At the same time, the military means may not be the only solution; there should be a very careful analysis of the root causes why this kind of terrorist and extremism, violent extremism is spreading,- is another very important aspect," he said.

The Peace and Security Council of AU on Thursday decided to authorize the deployment of the MNJTF, for an initial period of twelve months renewable and for a strength that could go up to 7, 500 military and other personnel.

Recalling that several African countries will hold elections this year, the secretary-general said the UN would work together with the AU to support member states to organize peaceful and credible polls. Endi