Buhari Denies Accusing US of Aiding Boko Haram

Buhari Denies Accusing US of Aiding Boko Haram

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is denying persisting international media claims that he accused the United States of helping the Boko Haram terrorist group.

He described such reports as an unfortunate misinterpretation and distortion of his remarks at the United States Institute of Peace during his recent official visit to Washington DC.

Buhari, in a statement released by a spokesman, said he indeed made it clear in his remarks that he was convinced that the U.S. could never support groups such as Boko Haram.

"I know the American people cannot support any group engaged in these crimes," the presidential spokesman quoted Buhari as saying.

During remarks July 23 at the institute in Washington, DC, Buhari said the Leahy Law “aided and abetted” Boko Haram by preventing U.S. military aid to countries tied to human rights abuses.

The law is named for its principal sponsor, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont.

The Leahy Law reportedly prevented the U.S. from selling weapons to Nigerian in 2014 and also barred Israel from selling Nigeria U.S.-manufactured Cobra helicopter gunships.

Buhari said his comments in Washington on the impact of the Leahy Law on Nigeria's war against Boko Haram and terrorism should not be construed as an indictment of President Barack Obama and the United States government.

The comments should only be taken "as a passionate appeal for even greater understanding and support from a very powerful and long-standing ally," according to his spokesman.

The aide said Buhari had very successful and useful talks with Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and members of Congress during his four-day visit.