Reese Toomre
Ms. Bennett
World Lit Honors Second Period
15 March 2016
The Fight Against Boko Haram
Bring Back Our Girls! This was a popular slogan that circulated in 2014. The purpose of this was to show solidarity with the families of over 300 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram (Adefarakan). This was a rare example of the outside world understanding and appreciating the gravity of the threat Boko Haram poses to northern Nigeria. Otherwise, the outside world, especially people in western nations know almost nothing about the continued conflict in the region.
Many people may be surprised to learn Boko Haram is the most violent terrorist group in the world. One of the major this is surprising is because it is covered so little in the media. As a result, many Americans have little idea as to the extent of the devastation Boko Haram causes. The group is a terrorist organization based out of Northern Nigeria promotes of a version of Islam with a “haram” or ban on followers partaking in any activity perceived as Western. They attempt to spread and enforce this idea through violent attacks and suicide bombings. The New York Times reports that Boko Haram was responsible for over 6,500 deaths in 2014, more than ISIS, al-Qaeda, or any other single terrorist group (Searcey and Schmitt).
However, recently the Nigerian government has been making military progress against Boko Haram. At the end of last year, government officials released information about how recent military operations have been able to push back Boko Haram, as well as detailing the arrests of people they believed to be supplying the group with fuel (Premium Times). A large part of this is due to increased efforts by Nigeria’s newly elected president, Muhammadu Buhari. This is also reflected in nearby Cameroon, where, according to The Guardian, anti-Boko Haram forces have killed nearly 100 militants and freed 850 captives from the group’s control (Guardian). This demonstrates that there have been major strides to combat Boko Haram’s progress. Unfortunately, these victories have not translated to an end to the conflict, and may even have harmed the lives of many people in the area.
Despite losing ground, Boko Haram is just as dangerous as before, if not more so. As Boko Haram has lost territory, they have been forced to shift tactics, and have actually increased terrorist attacks and suicide bombings. Just four days after President Buhari told reporters, “technically we have won the war,” a suicide bomber killed 50 people in Maiduguri (Searcey and Schmitt). Military might alone will not be enough to end this conflict. Although troops and weapons can be effective at fighting the insurgents, a comprehensive and robust intelligence system will be necessary to put and end to the group’s suicide bombing attacks.
Despite losing ground, Boko Haram is just as dangerous as before, if not more so. As Boko Haram has lost territory, they have been forced to shift tactics, and have actually increased terrorist attacks and suicide bombings. Just four days after President Buhari told reporters, “technically we have won the war,” a suicide bomber killed 50 people in Maiduguri (Searcey and Schmitt). Military might alone will not be enough to end this conflict. Although troops and weapons can be effective at fighting the insurgents, a comprehensive and robust intelligence system will be necessary to put and end to the group’s suicide bombing attacks.
This fight between Boko Haram and regional governments has been a bloody, brutal 14 year conflict that has wrecked havoc on the people of Nigeria, Cameroon, and surrounding countries. Recent government victories show promise for the future, but an end to the terrorism as a whole is still a long way off. Truly solving this issue will require a highly concerted effort between regional governments, the development of effective intelligence and anti-terrorism infrastructure, and above all a commitment to the people within these nations.
Adefarakan, Temitope. "To save Kidnapped Girls, Talk with Boko Haram." Global Issues in Context. 28 May 2014. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.
"Cameroon Says 92 Boko Haram Militants Killed and 850 Captives Freed." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 26 Feb. 2016. Web. 08 Mar. 2016.
"Nigerian Troops in Steady Progress against Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest - Army - Premium Times Nigeria.” Premium Times Nigeria. 09 Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
Searcey, Dionne, and Marc Santora. "Boko Haram Ranked Ahead of ISIS for Deadliest Terror Group." The New York Times. The New York Times, 18 Nov. 2015. Web. 06 Mar. 2016.
Searcey, Dionne, and Eric Schmitt. "Military Victories Over Boko Haram Mean Little to Nigerians." The New York Times. The New York Times, 15 Jan. 2016. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
I really liked your hook. I thought it connected me to the issue really well because it was a slogan I had heard of in 2014. My main takeaway is that Boko Haram is a dangerous terrorist organization that the government is trying to fight, and that despite their best efforts, the group is continuing to devastate Nigeria. Do we know who the leader of Boko Haram is?
ReplyDeleteYour article is very well laid out with a logical progression of ideas. I learned about the current status of the fight against Boko Haram. You talk about how Boko Haram had to shift tactics--what were their previous tactics? What is Buhari doing differently from Goodluck that resulted in recent success?
ReplyDeleteI like how you mention the necessary steps it will take to abolish the terrorist group, though it may not happen in the foreseeable future. Reminding us of the significance of issue was well emphasized through the use of the statistics you presented, and overall your article is very concise and to the point. Does Boko Haram realize how destructive their actions are or do they truly believe that these suicide bombings are going to promote their version of Islam?
ReplyDeleteYour hook really grabbed me because I remember seeing it being circulated. My main take away is that Boko Haram is a dangerous organization and the government is trying to stop their attacks but have not completely stopped Boko Haram. Why do people become part of terrorist organizations?
ReplyDelete