On 11th December 2011, 1worldinternational published a piece on Boko Haram, the terrorist group with Nigerian origins which has over the last few years masterminded attacks against the Nigerian government, public infrastructure, civilians and churches. In the article entitled “Boko Haram: The New Al-Qaeda?”, the writer highlighted the threat posed by the group. The article also covered fears raised by the U.S.A about the Nigerian government’s inability to deal with the insurgency and the prospect that the national problem may spiral into an international concern.
The Attacks
In a replication of its brazen series of attacks in Nigeria last Christmas, the group struck on 25th December 2011 in what appears to be a well thought out and coordinated attack leaving 40 dead and scores injured. The first attack occurred outside a Catholic Church situated near the capital city of Abuja, killing 35 and wounding around 50. It is reported that this was a suicide attack on worshippers milling around the church premises following the conclusion of the Christmas morning mass. The second blast occurred close to a church in the central city of Jos and further explosions occurred in the North-East towns of Damaturu and Gadaka. The Associated Press reports that the recent fatalities bring the total death toll from the insurgency to 504 this year.
International Condemnation
The attacks have led to widespread condemnation being heaped upon the group. The U.K. Foreign Secretary, William Hague said: “These are cowardly attacks on families gathered in peace and praying to celebrate a day which symbolises harmony and goodwill towards others. I offer my condolences to the bereaved and injured.” In the same vein, the White House Spokesman, James Carney said: “We condemn this senseless violence and tragic loss of life on Christmas day. We offer our sincere condolences to the Nigerian people and especially those who lost family and loved ones”. Further support has also come from the French and German governments. The French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed “solidarity in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism” while the German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle stated: “Even on Christmas day, the world is not spared from cowardice and the fear of terrorism.” The Vatican City also denounced the attacks in stating that the group’s action was an act of “blind hatred” seeking to “arouse and feed even more hatred and confusion”.
Sound-off
The group via its spokesman has claimed responsibility for the attacks. In its statement, the group said: “There will never be peace until our demands are met”. “We want all our brothers who have been incarcerated to be released; we want full implementation of the Sharia system and we want democracy and the constitution to be suspended.”
Analysts fear that the group has links to the al-Shabaab militia which controls large swathes of Somalia and al-Qaeda operatives with influence in the African states of Niger, Mauritania, and Chad to name but a few. Matters are not been helped by the Nigerian government who seem reluctant to acknowledge the threat posed by the group to the nation’s security and stability or the government’s hesitance to accept the assistance offered by the international community. The frayed dynamics of this already fractious country coupled with the latest insurgency leads observers to conclude that Nigeria may soon become West Africa’s equivalent to East Africa’s Somalia.
No comments:
Post a Comment