The outcome of the meeting is a sort of “total war” declaration against Boko Haram. In the name of 2013 French White Paper on Defence and National Security, stating that «support for establishment of collective security architecture in Africa is a priority of France’s cooperation and development policy», Paris is willing to «support African States in taking responsibility for controlling their security»[2] counting on a «comprehensive plan [that] needs to be put in place from exchanging information to coordinating action and controlling borders»[3].

Although the political value of this summit shouldn’t be underestimated, a hint of scepticism is justified.  It’s clear that the Nigeria and the neighbouring states are not able to fight Boko Haram on their own. The problem is that France and the other Western counterparts have ruled out any direct military operation: Hollande wants Nigeria to take the lead (although he may deploy French Rafale fighter jets in potential reconnaissance missions)[4] and UK and the US have offered their help just in search operations and by sending experts in the country[5].

Bottom line, the question is: to what extent will this new political offensive be able product concrete results? Difficult to say but, clearly enough, without any stronger Western support, the war against Boko Haram won’t reach its conclusion overnight.