Boko Haram

Resumen del libro

Northern and central Nigeria are engulfed in a violent insurgency campaign waged by Jamaatu Ahlis Sunnah Liddaawati wal Jihad, a.k.a. 'Boko Haram', and more recently, its splinter group 'Ansaru'. From its inception an inward-looking, almost parochial, movement, Boko Haram, and even more so Ansaru, have now shown clear signs of regionalisation, expanding their operations across West Africa and forging links with al-Qaeda affiliated groups. Boko Harams stated aim is to Islamise Africas most populous country but, like earlier Nigerian Islamist groups, of which there is a long tradition in the Sahel, the discontent
prompting young Nigerians and other young West African Muslims to join the insurgency is rooted in more than just religious orthodoxy and cannot be disentangled from their economic, social and and political marginalisation. In spite of talks about dialogue and amnesty for those prepared to renounce violence, the Federal Governments response has been a militarised one, resulting in the largest deployment
of the Nigerian armed forces since the end of the Civil War. But what is the real magnitude of the threat? What can foreign partners do to support Abuja? How effective is the current governments strategy in tackling the insurgency? And, more importantly, are the root causes of the insurgency being addressed and the foundations for a durable peace being established?