Nicolas Florquin, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID); Alaa Tartir, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID) et Anthony Obayi Onyishi, University of Nigeria
To stem the tide of violent extremism across the Sahel region, especially northwest Nigeria, the vulnerabilities and grudges of border communities need to be properly addressed.
Sexual violence against women and girls in Nigeria’s northeastern region persists because of the Nigerian government’s lax response to cases of sexual offences.
Pour résoudre les conflits djihadistes au Sahel, il faut aussi traiter les djihadistes comme des acteurs politiques qui cherchent à proposer une gouvernance alternative.
The atrocities and motivation of bandits have assumed insurgent-type criminality. But the Nigerian government is reluctant to label them terrorists or insurgents.
Exploring many contemporary cases of radical behaviour showed they had one thing in common: how the risk of radicalisation may be linked to fractured relationships.
Jihadi groups take advantage of endemic poverty, inequality, high unemployment levels, illiteracy, ethnic divisions, and poor governance to spread their campaign of violence in the Sahel region.
Resolving jihadist conflicts in the Sahel requires treating jihadists not as terrorists only but also as political actors who seek to provide an alternative form of governance to the status quo.
Islamic State West Africa Province appears to be consolidating its dominance in the region. This means Nigeria and other countries in the Sahel region have a lot more to be worried about.
Professor of Francophone Studies (Africa, Caribbean), Faculty Affiliate with Africana Studies, World Literature Program and Human Rights Pracice, University of Arizona