This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-27354230

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Nigeria abductions: Michelle Obama to deliver address Nigeria abductions: Michelle Obama 'outraged'
(about 4 hours later)
US First Lady Michelle Obama is to deliver her husband's weekly presidential address to condemn last month's abduction of Nigerian girls. US First Lady Michelle Obama has said the mass kidnap of Nigerian schoolgirls is part of a wider pattern of threats and intimidation facing girls around the world who pursue an education.
First ladies normally refrain from outspoken foreign policy remarks, but Mrs Obama has been a vocal campaigner for the release of more than 200 girls. She said she and her husband Barack Obama were "outraged and heartbroken" over the abduction on 14 April of more than 200 girls from their school.
Fifty-three of the schoolgirls escaped soon after being seized in Chibok on 14 April but many more remain captive. She was speaking instead of her husband in the weekly presidential address.
Islamist militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack. The Islamist militant group Boko Haram has claimed the abductions.
The United Nations Security Council expressed outrage over the abductions in north-eastern Borno state, and demanded the immediate release of the students.
It said it would consider "appropriate measures" against Boko Haram. The US is seeking to have UN sanctions imposed on the group.
'Call to action''Call to action'
Mrs Obama is due to make the address ahead of Mother's Day, which the United States marks on Sunday. Mrs Obama, who was speaking ahead of Mother's Day in the US on Sunday, said the girls reminded her and her husband of their own daughters.
"As the mother of two young daughters, Mrs Obama is taking up the opportunity to express outrage and heartbreak the president and she share over the kidnapping," White House deputy spokesman Eric Schultz said. "What happened in Nigeria was not an isolated incident. It's a story we see every day as girls around the world risk their lives to pursue their ambitions," she said.
"The first lady hopes that the courage of these young girls serves as an inspiration... and a call to action for people around the world to fight to ensure that every girl receives the education that is their birthright", he added. She cited the Pakistani schoolgirl and campaigner Malala Yousafzai, who was shot and wounded by the Taliban for speaking out for girls' education.
Michelle Obama has often appeared alongside her husband during the weekly address, which is broadcast on radio with a video version available online. This is the first time she will deliver the speech alone. "The courage and hope embodied by Malala and girls like her around the world should serve as a call to action," Mrs Obama said.
It is unusual for a US first lady to make outspoken foreign policy remarks, but Mrs Obama has campaigned for the girls' release.
Michelle Obama has often appeared alongside her husband during the weekly address, which is broadcast on radio with a video version available online. This is the first time she has delivered the speech alone.
Earlier this week, she tweeted a picture of herself in the White House holding a sign with the message "#BringBackOurGirls".Earlier this week, she tweeted a picture of herself in the White House holding a sign with the message "#BringBackOurGirls".
President Obama has described the kidnapping as "heartbreaking" and "outrageous". The UN Security Council expressed outrage over the abductions, saying it would consider "appropriate measures" against Boko Haram. The US is seeking to have UN sanctions imposed on the group.
A small number of US and British experts have now started arriving in Nigeria to assist the government's rescue efforts. Western help
A small number of US and British experts have arrived in Nigeria to assist with rescue efforts.
A senior US official said Washington was also considering a Nigerian request for surveillance aircraft.A senior US official said Washington was also considering a Nigerian request for surveillance aircraft.
But analysts have pointed out the difficulty of using aerial reconnaissance in the region's rugged forests. British High Commissioner Andrew Pocock said drones could help gather intelligence but urged caution.
British High Commissioner Andrew Pocock told the BBC's Today programme: "The eye in the sky, even if it were able to be focused on the spot, isn't a panacea. He told the BBC's Today programme: "The eye in the sky, even if it were able to be focused on the spot, isn't a panacea."
"What is a way forward is the proper use of... gathering of intelligence, which the Nigerians are attempting to do and which all the Western friends of Nigeria can help them with."
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan said on Friday he believed the schoolgirls were still in his country and had not been moved to neighbouring Cameroon.Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan said on Friday he believed the schoolgirls were still in his country and had not been moved to neighbouring Cameroon.
Amnesty International on Friday claimed Nigeria's military had advance warning of the raid but failed to act.Amnesty International on Friday claimed Nigeria's military had advance warning of the raid but failed to act.
Nigeria's authorities say they "doubt the veracity" of the human rights group's claim.Nigeria's authorities say they "doubt the veracity" of the human rights group's claim.
Boko Haram has admitted capturing the girls, saying they should not have been in school and should get married instead.Boko Haram has admitted capturing the girls, saying they should not have been in school and should get married instead.
In a video, group leader Abubakar Shekau threatened to "sell" the students.In a video, group leader Abubakar Shekau threatened to "sell" the students.
Boko Haram, whose name means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language, began its insurgency in Borno state in 2009.Boko Haram, whose name means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language, began its insurgency in Borno state in 2009.
At least 1,200 people are estimated to have died in the violence this year alone.At least 1,200 people are estimated to have died in the violence this year alone.