Reign of Terror In Africa: Taking a closer look at Africa’s most active terrorist groups
Terrorism is one of a number of security challenges facing some African countries. It is often associated with other security challenges, including armed robbery, trafficking of all kinds and money laundering. Terrorism is designed to create an environment of fear in society and enhance the feeling of instability in a country. More importantly, terrorism serves to highlight the relative weaknesses of the government affected, potentially opening governments to challenges to their authority from other sources. An example of this would be the fact that terrorist attacks open governments and political leaders to open and often incessant criticism from their …show more content…
Politicians did not necessarily create the threat, but it was empowered and given critical support by elements of Nigeria’s political class. The Northeastern region of Nigeria is one of the poorest and most deprived regions of the country. The dearth of sustainable economic opportunities may explain the willingness of some members of society to withdraw and seek to become part of a new political order, as part of Boko Haram. Religion is less of a cause than a justification for the activities of Boko Haram. After the extrajudicial killings of the group’s leader - Mohammed Yusuf, Boko Haram vowed revenge. Since they regrouped in April 2010, its attacks have grown in sophistication, intensity and geographic …show more content…
One of the most telling killings was that of Babakuru Fugu, the brother-in-law of Mohamed Yusuf. After he received ex-President Obasanjo during on a peace-building visit to Maiduguri, those claiming to be members of his brother-in-law’s sect swiftly assassinated him. There is a radical element operating under the Boko Haram threat umbrella that is determined to prevent peace returning to the region at all cost.
Boko Haram has started to plan and implement increasingly audacious attacks. The bombing of Nigeria Police Headquarters and then the United Nations headquarters in Abuja, have successfully propelling the group to international notoriety. In July 2011, there was a threat against the University of Maiduguri, which Boko Haram spokesman - Abu Zaid - dismissed, citing the group’s graduation to high value targets, such as the President villa. The group has listed the Nigerian President as one of its future
Terrorism is one of a number of security challenges facing some African countries. It is often associated with other security challenges, including armed robbery, trafficking of all kinds and money laundering. Terrorism is designed to create an environment of fear in society and enhance the feeling of instability in a country. More importantly, terrorism serves to highlight the relative weaknesses of the government affected, potentially opening governments to challenges to their authority from other sources. An example of this would be the fact that terrorist attacks open governments and political leaders to open and often incessant criticism from their …show more content…
Politicians did not necessarily create the threat, but it was empowered and given critical support by elements of Nigeria’s political class. The Northeastern region of Nigeria is one of the poorest and most deprived regions of the country. The dearth of sustainable economic opportunities may explain the willingness of some members of society to withdraw and seek to become part of a new political order, as part of Boko Haram. Religion is less of a cause than a justification for the activities of Boko Haram. After the extrajudicial killings of the group’s leader - Mohammed Yusuf, Boko Haram vowed revenge. Since they regrouped in April 2010, its attacks have grown in sophistication, intensity and geographic …show more content…
One of the most telling killings was that of Babakuru Fugu, the brother-in-law of Mohamed Yusuf. After he received ex-President Obasanjo during on a peace-building visit to Maiduguri, those claiming to be members of his brother-in-law’s sect swiftly assassinated him. There is a radical element operating under the Boko Haram threat umbrella that is determined to prevent peace returning to the region at all cost.
Boko Haram has started to plan and implement increasingly audacious attacks. The bombing of Nigeria Police Headquarters and then the United Nations headquarters in Abuja, have successfully propelling the group to international notoriety. In July 2011, there was a threat against the University of Maiduguri, which Boko Haram spokesman - Abu Zaid - dismissed, citing the group’s graduation to high value targets, such as the President villa. The group has listed the Nigerian President as one of its future