PSC/PR/COMM. (DCCXXXIII) 3 respect, Council pays tribute to the troop contributing countries to the MNJTF for the enormous sacrifices made for the promotion of peace, security and stability in the Lake Chad Basin. Council pays particular tribute to the gallant soldiers that have paid the ultimate price and expressed once again 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; 4. Emphasizes that, despite MNJTF significant successes, Boko Haram still remains a real threat for the countries of the region as it retains capacity to reorganize itself and conduct deadly asymmetric attacks, as illustrated by the recurrent suicide attacks in various LCBC countries. In this regard, Council strongly condemns the continued attacks and abuses perpetrated by the terrorist group against innocent civilians and strongly warns the members of the group that they shall be held accountable for their heinous crimes; 5. Reiterates the need for the Commission, the LCBC and the MNJTF to work closely towards mobilizing the required and appropriate financial and logistical support to the MNJTF, on the basis of needs expressed by the countries of the region. Council underlines the urgent need for the MNJTF to be provided with the necessary capacities in terms of land mobility, with appropriate vehicles, air and navigation assets, communication and air surveillance equipment, mine action and specialized medical personnel. In this respect, Council requests the Commission, the LCBC and MNJTF, with troop contributing countries to the Force, to undertake, as soon as possible, consultations with a view to identify ways and means to ensure that the AU support to countries of the region in their efforts against Boko Haram is expedited and adequate; 6. Further welcomes the outcomes of the First MNJTF Regional Stabilization Strategy Conference for the LCBC countries affected by the Boko Haram that was held in N’Djamena, Chad, from 2-4 November 2017, and looks forward to the implementation and necessary follow-up of the commitments made by the affected countries and partners. Council reaffirms that, in addition to the much-needed military and security operations against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, sustained national, regional and international development efforts should also be deployed towards the improvement of livelihoods, education and job creation, as well as towards the protection of human rights, including those of women and girls, so as to address alienation and marginalization, which create fertile ground for terrorism and violent extremism within the local communities; 7. Also welcomes the significant progress made in the operationalization of the G5 Sahel Joint Force, established by countries of the region, namely Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, to fight against the various terrorist and criminal groups operating in the Sahel region. Council commends the countries of the G5 Sahel Joint force, for the efforts being deployed and sacrifices being made in the fight against terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organised crime and other various illicit traffics, including human trafficking ;