United States of America’s Assistant Secretary Of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Jonnie Carson has stressed that Boko Haram is out to undermine and discredit the Nigerian government.

Carson stated this during a press briefing on the policy directive on the US strategy toward Sub-Saharan Africa conducted live at State Department yesterday, where he insisted that the sect should not be designated as world terrorist group in as much as it didn’t have a broad network as its activities were centred in Nigeria.

He said, “Boko Haram is just trying to discredit the Nigerian government. We have not designated Boko Haram world terrorist group because its activities are focused on Nigeria and it doesn’t have a broad network and contact. We are still keeping that in view. Meanwhile, U.S has designated three leaders of Boko Haram as world terrorists.”

Reacting to the anti-Muslim film protest in Africa, Carson disclosed that United States, in its wisdom, has decided to step up presence of security around its consulates in Africa in order to forestall further attack on US diplomats.

Asked about US role in the forthcoming Ghana’s presidential poll, he said that he had confidence in Ghana’s democracy, and expressed the belief that the November poll in Ghana would not result in conflict or undermine democracy in that country. This was just as he said that US would endeavour to support Ghana to achieve a free and fair election come November.

“I have confidence in Ghana’s democracy. The forthcoming presidential election in Ghana will not result in conflict. The outcome of the election will not weaken its democracy. United States will strive to support Ghana to achieve free and fair election,” he said.

– AllAfrica.com