PSC/PR/COMM. (DCCXXXVIII) 2 COMMUNIQUE The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 738thmeeting held on 7 December 2017, considered the renewal of the mandate of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against the Boko Haram terrorist group and adopted the following decision: Council, 1. Takes note of the opening statement made by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Congo, Ambassador Lazare Makayat Safouesse, in his capacity as Chairperson of the PSC for the month of December 2017. Council also takes note of the report of the Chairperson of the Commission and the briefing made by the Force Commander of MNJTF, Major General Irabor Lucky Eluonye. Council further takes note of the statements made by the representatives of Benin, Chad, Gabon, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal, as well as by the representatives of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN); 2. Recalls its earlier decisions and pronouncements on the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group and efforts aimed at neutralizing it, in particular Communique [PSC/AHG/COMM. 2(CDLXXXIV)] adopted at its 484th meeting held on 29 January 2015, at the level of Heads of State and Government and Communiqué [PSC/PR/2. (DCXXXIX)] adopted at its 639th meeting held on 29 November 2016 by which Council authorized the deployment of the MNJTF and renewed its mandate till 31 January 2018 respectively. Council also recalls Press Statements [PSC/PR/BR. (DCCII)] and [PSC/PR/BR. (DCLXXX) adopted at its 702 nd and 680th meeting held on 19 July 2017 and 18 April 2017 respectively, as well as Communique [PSC/PR/COMM. (DCCXXI)] on the Report of the PSC field mission to the countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) conducted from 27 to 31 July 2017 and Communique [PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCXXXIII)] adopted at its 733rd meeting held on 13 November 2017; 3. Welcomes the efforts and significant progress made by the MNJTF and the Member States of LCBC plus Benin in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group, which have significantly weakened the capability of the terrorist group and continued to successfully dislodge it from its strongholds. However, Council emphasizes that, despite the achievements made by MNJTF, Boko Haram still remains a serious threat for the countries of the region; 4. Pays tribute to the gallant soldiers who have paid the ultimate price on the line of duty and expresses its heartfelt condolences to their families and respective countries of origin. Council encourages MNJTF Forces to remain resolute until the Boko Haram terrorist group is completely defeated; 5. Strongly condemns the continued attacks and abuses perpetrated by the Boko Haram terrorist group against innocent civilians which have resulted in massive displacement of the population and caused a serious humanitarian crisis in the region. In this regard, Council calls