COMMUNIQUÉ

Adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) at its 1347^th meeting held on 18 May 2026 on an update on the stabilization activities of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin;

The Peace and Security Council,

Recalling its previous decisions on the activities of the MNJTF against Boko Haram and the Lake Chad Basin, in particular, Communiqué [PSC/PR/COMM.1318 (2025)] adopted at its 1318^th meeting held on 15 December 2025 and Communiqué [PSC/PR/COMM.1254 (2025)] adopted at its 1254th meeting, held on 13 January 2025 at which, among others, Council renewed the mandate of the MNJTF for a period of 12 months;

Reaffirming the AU’s respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission; as well as the AU solidarity with the people of these countries affected by the heinous activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group and other armed groups active in the region;

Taking note of the Opening Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Nasir Aminu, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the AU  and Chairperson of the PSC for the month of May 2026; the Introductory Statement of H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, read on his behalf by Ms. Jocyline Nahimana, Head of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration/ Security Sector Reforms (DDR/SSR) Division within the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department; the Briefing by Mr. Hycinth Banseka, Technical Director, on behalf of H.E. Ambassador Ibrahim Babane, the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Head of the MNJTF; as well as the Briefing by Brigadier General Frederic Njonkep, Deputy MNJTF Force Commander; and

 

Acting under Article 7 of its Protocol, the Peace and Security Council:

1. Welcomes the outcomes of the 7^th Steering Committee Meeting of the Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience (RS-SRR) of the Boko Haram-affected areas of the LCB, held on 27 March 2026 in N’Djamena, Republic of Chad, which approved the 2026 Regional Priorities, the Regional Action Plan (RAP), the Territorial Action Plans (TAPs), and the Results Framework of the adjusted RS-SRR 2.0;

2. Also welcomes the convening of the Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF) meeting held on 23 April 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and underscores the importance of sustainable financing and strengthened coordination mechanisms for the effective implementation of the adjusted RS-SRR 2.0;

3. Applauds the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) for maintaining cooperation, coordination and commitment within the framework of the MNJTF in the fight against Boko Haram and other armed groups, as well as for the launch of Operation LAKE SANITY III on 19 April 2026 and acknowledges the operational gains thus far achieved in degrading Boko Haram and ISWAP logistics hubs and limiting the movement of terrorist groups within the Lake Chad Basin region, particularly gains related to improved security conditions, the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, expanded humanitarian access, and progress in the reintegration and reconciliation of former combatants and affected communities and emphasizes the importance of consolidating and preserving these gains;

4. Commends the LCBC Member States, the MNJTF, and regional and international partners, particularly the European Union for their sustained efforts and commitment towards peace, security, stabilization, recovery and resilience in the Lake Chad Basin region;  and commends in particular, the AU Commission for availing to the MNJTF, the sum of USD 1 million from the Peace Fund Crisis Reserve Facility;

5. Acknowledges the unwavering leadership and commitment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in providing critical logistical support to the fight against Boko Haram, terrorists and other armed groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin region;

6. While acknowledging that the capacity of the Boko Haram terrorist group has been significantly reduced, reiterates its deep concern over the continued threat posed by Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed and terrorist groups operating in the region, which continue to undermine regional stability, socio-economic recovery, sustainable development, as well as humanitarian efforts;

7. Underscores the importance of sustained diplomatic engagements towards promoting regional cohesion as a success factor in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group; reiterates its deep concern over the security vulnerabilities arising from the temporary suspension of participation by the Republic of Niger from the MNJTF framework, particularly its implications for border security and the proliferation of arms and free movement of foreign fighters, and in this connection, urges the Republic of Niger to consider resuming full participation in the MNJTF framework, including the redeployment of Military Staff Officers to the MNJTF Headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad;

8. Expresses deep concern over the operational capability gaps facing the MNJTF, including shortages in air mobility, amphibious platforms, counter-IED and counter-drone capabilities, fighting gears, communication equipment, including interpretation machines as well as other force enablers necessary for effective operations in the Lake Chad Basin terrain and in this regard, requests the AU Commission to enhance its support and collaboration with the LCBC and the MNJTF in the implementation of the adjusted RS-SRR2.0 and the conduct of operations against Boko Haram and other armed groups and to support the MNJTF with these critically needed force enablers from the Continental Logistics Base;

9. Further expresses concern over the significant funding gaps affecting the implementation of the adjusted RS-SRR 2.0, including the operationalization of regional coordination mechanisms, monitoring and evaluation systems, technical support deployment, and cross-border stabilization initiatives, in this regard, reminds Member States, international partners and relevant stakeholders of their responsibility to mobilize predictable, flexible and sustainable financial as well as technical support towards the effective implementation of the adjusted RS-SRR 2.0 and the operational requirements of the MNJTF and in this context, requests the AUC to liaise with the A3 to explore the possibility of applying UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to fund MNJTF activities and to timeously report back to the Council;

10. Underscores the need for striking a balance between military and non-military approaches in the counterterrorism efforts and the need for inclusivity, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches and comprehensive approaches in addressing the structural root causes of, and factors driving and sustaining the prevailing insecurity in the region; as well as creating conducive conditions for more meaningful participation of women and the youth in all stabilization and recovery efforts in the region;

11. Stresses the need to combat the proliferation of illicit weapons and strengthen border governance systems by Governments of countries in the region; and

12. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

COMMENTS