Preventing, combatting rise of terror networks in West Africa
Transnational violent networks have drastically increased in Africa over the years, with the fruits now being clearly seen in the likes of Ansar Dine in northern Mali and Boko Haram in Nigeria.
The negative aspects of these networks are generally resulting into the worst forms of fundamentalism and terrorism.
How are those groups organized? Who are behind them and how can countries escape from their attacks? Is responding with force the only way ward them off?
Dr. Bakary Samb is a senior fellow at the European Foundation for Democracy and he’s a specialist in transnational networks and Islamic militancy in the Sahel region.
Samb said “the new challenge for all West African states is how to deal with this new movement and networks.”
One way to do this, the Senegalese academic said is “for African and West African states need to strengthen education, health and social care.”
WADR’s Kara Thioune interviews Samb on preventing and uprooting such fundamentalist terror networks in the sub-region.
Click audio below to listen
The wave of Boko Haram bombings and shootings has instilled fear across Nigeria, not only in the north, where the attacks have been predominant.
The name of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram means Western Education is sinful.
But the victims and targets of the group’s attacks have not been restricted to one religious group, causing many to wonder whether Boko Haram is a religious, security or political group. As such, how it should be dealt with?
Recently the Nigerian government expressed opposition to the US plans to include Boko Haram on its list of foreign terrorist organizations.
According to the story, news agencies quoted senior Nigerian government officials, including National Security Advisor General Owoye Andrew Azazi as formally requesting the US not to include Boko Haram on the terror list.
Using force to deal with menace
But an Academic and Senior Nigeria Analyst at the International Crisis Grou (ICG), Professor Kunle Amuwo begged to differ with the government.
“Nigeria alone doesn’t have the capacity to fight Boko Haram,” Amuwo said.
Prof Amuwo tells WADR’s Frank Sainworla that that he supports placing the Nigerian Islamist militant group on the terror list.
Click audio below to listen
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