Nigerian rebels threaten elections
JOHANNESBURG – Nigeria’s Islamic extremist rebels Boko Haram renewed their threat to use violence to disrupt Nigeria’s upcoming elections.
In a video published by the SITE Intelligence Group, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau reiterated the insurgents’ warnings that they will use violence to disturb the elections, scheduled for March 28.
Shekau also claimed responsibility for the attack on Saturday on the town of Gombe in northeastern Nigeria. The Nigerian army and two fighter jets repelled the Boko Haram attackers. As they retreated from Gombe, the Boko Haram fighters scattered papers warning residents not to vote in the elections because polling stations would be attacked.
The warnings come as leaders from countries neighboring Nigeria finalized plans for a joint offensive against Boko Haram who have stepped up their attacks in recent weeks.
Libya seeks arms to fight extremists
UNITED NATIONS – Libya’s foreign minister asked the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday to lift an arms embargo, so the country can fight the growing threat of the Islamic State group.
Foreign Minister Mohammed al Dairi spoke to an emergency session of the council amid regional alarm after the Islamic State group posted a video of the beheadings of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya.
He stressed that Libya is not asking for international intervention, although his country has asked neighboring Egypt to support the Libyan army.
Al Dairi said the international community has a “legal and moral responsibility to lend urgent support” and the region, including the Mediterranean, is in danger.
Associated Press
