TERRORISM AS A SECURITY CHALLENGE /
A CASE STUDY OF WEST AFRICA
DEBORAH HASSANA PHILIP; SUPERVISOR: ASSOC. PROF. DR. SEVKI KIRALP
- ix, 86 sheets; 31 cm. Includes CD
Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research International Relations Department
Includes bibliography (sheets 79-86)
ABSTRACT Since 2009, after the violent death of the Boko Haram sect leader, Muhammad Yusuf in Maiduguri following a clash of the sect with the Nigerian army, tensions have risen in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon, making it a hot zone for terrorist and insurgent activities. This research used the theories of frustration-aggression and state fragility to define the causes and resultant effects of the security challenges plaguing one of the poorest regions in the world. The shrinking of about 90% of the Lake Chad, which served as a source of income for farmers, herders and fishermen were identified as a major cause of poverty and the fight for resource control. The thesis made attempt to link the rise of right wing Islamism as a response to governmental failure, weak security architecture within countries and their borders as well as proximity of salafi-jihadi terror cells. The counter terrorism and counterinsurgency measures of the states were examined to include military approaches such as the Multinational Joint Task Force and nonmilitary approach- enactment of the Anti-terrorism Act, Peace Talks and Operation Safe Corridor. The successes and failures of these measures were discussed and the thesis proposed that government addresses the underlying issues that makes it possible for extremist groups to thrive. This include Unemployment, Education and Poverty. Keywords: Boko Haram, Lake Chad Basin, Salafi-Jihadism