02 February 2012

The Institute for Security Studies will on 2 February host a seminar in Pretoria on: ‘The Threat of Boko Haram and the Challenges to Peace, Security and Unity of Nigeria’.

It will be presented by the Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis and the Transnational Threats and International Crime Divisions, Pretoria/

Since gaining independence in 1960, military coups, ethnic and religious tensions have characterised post-independence Nigeria. The end of the civil war (1967-1970) was believed to be an opportunity to unite Nigerians. Yet, in the post-civil war era, Nigeria has been confronted by daunting security challenges including recurrent communal violence that has pitted various communities against one another.
After many years of military rule, the reintroduction of multiparty democratic rule in 1999 has coincided with an intensification of ethnic and religious militancy, characterised by acts of terrorism, civil strife and protests.

The re-emergence of the violent militant group Boko Haram in 2009 has threatened the survival and the cohesiveness of Nigeria as a state. Some are fearful that Nigeria is at the edge of a civil war as Boko Haram has gone on a killing spree, launching rampant and deadly terrorist acts that have claimed the lives of thousands of Nigerians and caused widespread fear across the country.At the same time, the announcement by the government to cut fuel subsidies from early January has also led to waves of protest that have further accentuated tensions and divisions. Boko Haram is only one of many groups that have committed atrocious acts with impunity. Similar militant attacks by insurgent groups spearheaded by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, have in the recent past caused mayhem in southern and south-eastern parts of Nigeria.

This seminar explores the causes, wider dynamics and ramifications of this state of insecurity in Nigeria, and explore options for its containment.

The speakers are: Dr Ibrahim Mu'azzam, Department of Political Science, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; and Dr Jideofor Adibe, Department of Political Science, Nasarawa State, University, Keffi, Nigeria. The discussant is Martin Ewi, ISS, Pretoria.

Time:10:00-12:30
Address:ISS Conference Room
Block C, Brooklyn Court
361 Veale Street
New Muckleneuk
Region:Gauteng
Contact:Maria Maluleke
Telephone:012-346 9500
Email:mmaluleke@issafrica.org