Conflict is a major impedance on the efforts of development practice and has to be analyzed when discussing the issue. This post is a continuation and case study on solutions to development issues, using the Boko Haram in Nigeria as my subject. For background and additional information on the Boko Haram, see further readings such as this analysis of the ideology behind the Boko Haram, or this brief chronicle of their presence in Nigeria. There's a plethora of further readings that can be found online as well. The purpose of this post is to introduce detailed and plausible solutions to the discourse of this issue.
For this discussion, I will divide conflict mitigation strategies into two categories, direct and indirect approach.
Direct Approach
Direct approach in this discussion refers to the direct intervention and opposition of a conflicting group (Boko Haram) by another party (Nigerian government.)
I believe that an active approach is necessary in the mitigation of this issue because of the uncompromising and violent stance taken by the Boko Haram. It is stated in the Al Qaeda training manual found online that Islam calls for a hostile confrontation with nonbelievers. I am uncertain of the legitimacy of this manual, but if it is factual, such threats should not be met lightly. I believe that the Nigerian government needs to have a zero tolerance agenda to match the uncompromising stance of the Boko Haram. Any encounter with the Boko Haram or its affiliates needs to be met with lethal force. You can't compromise with someone who sees contention as the only plausible resolve and embraces death, you can only grant them that wish. It is unfortunate that the conflict has to escalate to such levels threatening more lives, but a long term perspective has to be taken when approaching this situation. It is more practical to set and control the intensity of the situation at a level manageable by the government early on, than allowing these groups to continue operating discretely until they grow to an uncontrollable size. They have stated that they are unwilling to compromise and will not stop their terror until the country is under Islamic law and oppositions are extinguished. This will surely be the fate of Nigeria if this issue is not properly addressed at the moment. Stopping the momentum of this group right now is the most effective direct approach that will limit casualties, cost, and time.
Specific measures must be taken in order for a direct approach to be effective; mainly, there needs to be sound infrastructure and capable governmental agencies in place.
For infrastructure, this means sound roads, good energy structures, and land surveillance. It is no secret that the road situation is bad in Nigeria. The lack of adequate road access presents a hindrance to the efforts of military mobilization and monitoring. It also makes rural areas more vulnerable to attacks. Usage of geographic information systems, GIS, techniques will be beneficial in providing the government with land information. Other geographic analysis tools can be coupled with GIS technology to provide government agencies with land usage data. Better monitoring systems and geospatial information will in turn allow for government agencies, as well as local parties, to effectively monitor civilian activities. Local leaders and police should also be involved in this operation in order to set up tactics for on site overseers. I believe that having a capable infrastructure system like this will leave the Boko Haram with few places to hide.
The government also needs to curate a capable team to lead and utilize these strategies. As discussed earlier, the Boko Haram needs to be confronted in an urgent and non compliant manner that will seize their operation before it becomes uncontrollable. In order for this to occur, there needs to be a clear and uniform understanding amongst government personnel on the application and implication of such measures. This uniformity will give structure to the agenda, while reducing wasted efforts on strategies not catered towards achieving this goal. Infantries also need to be trained on specific counter-terrorism tactics and civilian protection.
For infrastructure, this means sound roads, good energy structures, and land surveillance. It is no secret that the road situation is bad in Nigeria. The lack of adequate road access presents a hindrance to the efforts of military mobilization and monitoring. It also makes rural areas more vulnerable to attacks. Usage of geographic information systems, GIS, techniques will be beneficial in providing the government with land information. Other geographic analysis tools can be coupled with GIS technology to provide government agencies with land usage data. Better monitoring systems and geospatial information will in turn allow for government agencies, as well as local parties, to effectively monitor civilian activities. Local leaders and police should also be involved in this operation in order to set up tactics for on site overseers. I believe that having a capable infrastructure system like this will leave the Boko Haram with few places to hide.
The government also needs to curate a capable team to lead and utilize these strategies. As discussed earlier, the Boko Haram needs to be confronted in an urgent and non compliant manner that will seize their operation before it becomes uncontrollable. In order for this to occur, there needs to be a clear and uniform understanding amongst government personnel on the application and implication of such measures. This uniformity will give structure to the agenda, while reducing wasted efforts on strategies not catered towards achieving this goal. Infantries also need to be trained on specific counter-terrorism tactics and civilian protection.
Although it may seem that these measures are extreme, I think it would be beneficial in the long run. Also, some of the work and policies that will be put in place in solving this issue will be beneficial for future conflict mitigation in the country, creating a standard of operation against terrorist groups, improving the security in certain areas, GIS techniques can be applied to improve use of vacant land, and built infrastructure will be beneficial in the long run. There's also potential for economic benefits by creating jobs.
Indirect Approach
Indirect approach in this discussion refers to strategies not directly involving the opposing groups. The Boko Haram has been functioning mainly in the northeastern part of Nigeria, as seen in this map. For this approach, these areas and local governments/residents need to be the focal point when constructing strategies. Strategic goals should aim to isolate the Boko Haram and starve them from receiving any form of support outside the country and prevent them from acquiring any resources internally, whether that be financial, artillery, human capital, or intel.
The monitoring and tracking tools discussed earlier should be utilized for this approach as well. Data from these tools can be compiled to learn more about where the Boko Haram is operating and how to appropriately allocate resources.
As far as recruitment goes, I am uncertain of the tactics used by the Boko Haram. It is a common trend for groups to go after the youth when recruiting members. I feel that the Boko Haram might be operating in a similar fashion. This method is usually effective because this age group is easier to manipulate, through fear tactics and brainwashing, and enticing promises. Other possible groups are poor or unemployed persons. Due to their conditions, these groups are more vulnerable and easier to persuade. Working on strategies that will give these groups alternatives and educate them on facts that will allow them to make sounder decisions will be beneficial in starving the Boko Haram of new members.
For the youth, intervention programs need to be put in place. Giving this group extracuricular activities will occupy their time and possibly reduce their vulnerability. Some of the surveillance and monitoring tasks can be put in their hands to empower them and give them employment opportunities. This goes for the older groups as well. Education programs should also be put in place to educate residents on the issue. Islamic leaders that practice the true nature of the religion should be brought to educate locals. The government also needs to find the outlets with which these groups operate and block them, whether it is social or political.
The monitoring and tracking tools discussed earlier should be utilized for this approach as well. Data from these tools can be compiled to learn more about where the Boko Haram is operating and how to appropriately allocate resources.
As far as recruitment goes, I am uncertain of the tactics used by the Boko Haram. It is a common trend for groups to go after the youth when recruiting members. I feel that the Boko Haram might be operating in a similar fashion. This method is usually effective because this age group is easier to manipulate, through fear tactics and brainwashing, and enticing promises. Other possible groups are poor or unemployed persons. Due to their conditions, these groups are more vulnerable and easier to persuade. Working on strategies that will give these groups alternatives and educate them on facts that will allow them to make sounder decisions will be beneficial in starving the Boko Haram of new members.
For the youth, intervention programs need to be put in place. Giving this group extracuricular activities will occupy their time and possibly reduce their vulnerability. Some of the surveillance and monitoring tasks can be put in their hands to empower them and give them employment opportunities. This goes for the older groups as well. Education programs should also be put in place to educate residents on the issue. Islamic leaders that practice the true nature of the religion should be brought to educate locals. The government also needs to find the outlets with which these groups operate and block them, whether it is social or political.
Conclusion
Underdevelopment is crippling and hinders the efforts of conflict remediation. A countries capacity to effectively manage conflict is dependent on the presence of sound infrastructure and competent governmental personnel. Once these are in place, direct and indirect strategies can then be designed and implemented. In the case of the Boko Haram, this will involve; improving the monitoring of target regions using GIS and geographical analysis tools, training authoritative forces on responding to direct confrontation and emergency civilian mobilization, curbing the recruiting process by giving vulnerable groups alternatives, and implementing educational programs that will nullify the manipulative teachings of the Boko Haram.
As it is right now, the Boko Haram is not a significant threat based on their size. This will not be the case if the issue is not attacked aggressively through serious discussions and the progressive implementation of mitigation tactics. It will behoove the Nigerian government to begin seriously investing in measures that will address the issue and snip the problem in the bud, no matter how drastic or excessive it may seem.
One love
As it is right now, the Boko Haram is not a significant threat based on their size. This will not be the case if the issue is not attacked aggressively through serious discussions and the progressive implementation of mitigation tactics. It will behoove the Nigerian government to begin seriously investing in measures that will address the issue and snip the problem in the bud, no matter how drastic or excessive it may seem.
One love
Sources:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/boko-haram.htm
http://lordedon.blogspot.com/2014/03/understanding-ideology-of-boko-haram.html
http://leadership.ng/features/343890/fct-forest-reserves-becoming-haven-criminal-activities
