TheCable

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the assistant secretary of state for African affairs, has reassured Africa of continued support from the United States despite the upcoming change in administration.

Speaking at a press conference, Greenfield addressed issues affecting Africa and the role of the United States in assisting Africa.

“Training is important, the Nigerian government needs to do more in working with the police,” she said speaking on Nigeria and terrorism.

“For the military and other government agencies to be effective, they have to be well trained.

“It’s not the military’s job to provide immediate security for the villages once the military kicks Boko Haram out. People need security service in the form of well-trained policemen who know how to deal with this kind of security.”

“It is a global war and we all have to support each other to address the threat.”

Greenfield also said United States was not worried about African countries partnering with China.

“It’s not a new development that African countries are partnering with China; there is space for us and other investors as well as the Chinese.

“The opportunities in Africa economically, as far resources and investments are concerned, are immense.

“It is important for African countries to look at other investors as the Chinese, from the United states and determine what is in the interest of their country and what is in the interest of their people and strike the best deal.”

“It’s not a competition, it’s about African countries determining what is their priorities are.”

In January, the US government donated 24 Mine-Resistant Armour Protected (MRAP) vehicles to the Nigerian military, as part of its commitment to the fight against insurgency.