Burkina Faso-Niger – Militant
kidnappings of Foreign Nationals by Islamist extremists have escaladed over the
past few months. Security
Specialists in the area have stated that the hostages are being used to raise
money for upcoming conflict, as well as possible human shields if conflict does
begin. NGO’s, international
leaders, and foreign nationals are all required to travel in armed convoys or
police escorts through “hot” zones.
Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is expected to begin a military campaign early next year in an
attempt to destroy these terrorist organizations that threaten member states
(Aid 1).
In
the past year Burkina Faso has become prime breeding ground for Islamist
groups. High unemployment, and the
government’s failure to raise living standards has caused many to resort to
other, more extreme ways to gain income.
As the economy and living standards continue to fail, Burkina Faso and
Niger are going to see large increases in terrorist attacks, and if the ECOWAS
decides that it will begin a campaign throughout the region expect to see not
only foreign nationals being targeted, but ECOWAS leaders as well (Aid 1).
This
issue is important because it outlines how terrorists are operating in the poor
countries of this African region.
It shows that even though the states are trying to resolve the issue of
Islamic groups, the attacks on state leaders have increased drastically. This has greatly slowed down the
countries ability to progress forward since resources are being focused toward
suppressing these groups.
The
most likely course of action for the terrorist groups will be to continue the
kidnappings and attacks on convoys in the region. The only way for the state to successfully rid of these
groups will be to beef up security on critical targets that if attacked would
present a great cost to the state, as well as incorporate more jobs and infrastructure
to the economy. In a theory
proposed by Kydd and Walter (2006) the strategy of Attrition where Terrorist
groups use attacks to make their threats more credible, the only way to
successfully counter this strategy is the increase security on heavy cost
associated targets (Kydd 55). Thus,
ECOWAS should still incorporate the military attacks as part of the plan, but
should do it in a way that is not so forceful. The process will take a while, but if the countries security
is increased, the Islamist groups will have a harder time completing their
goals.
Works Cited:
Kydd,
Andrew H., and Barbara F. Walter. "The Strategies of Terrorism." International
Security 31.1 (2006): 49-79. Web.
"Aid Agencies Tighten
Security." AllAfrica. N.p.,
06 Nov. 2012. Web. 06 Nov. 2012.
<http://allafrica.com/stories/201211061390.html?viewall=1>.
I think this is interesting because it demonstrates that the problems weak states face have an impact on their neighbors. This seems to be shown by the ECOWAS coalition made up other other African states. The instability and conflict could easily spill over into bordering states, and it is in their best interests to help Niger and Burkina Faso get rid of these terrorist cells.
ReplyDeleteAs with the recent increase in Islamic extremists in Mali, lack of economic opportunity and poor infrastructure are to blame for West Africa's growing instability. The best hope for these countries is a more stable central government with credible support. As with most of Africa, foreign direct investment could substantially help mitigate the rise in terrorism. By offering economic alternatives and giving a source of taxable revenue to the government, FDI offers a more hopefully future for this region of the world.
ReplyDeleteYes i agree with Stephen, there are many patterns seen with the Islamic extremist groups in Mali, yet what is a source of optimism is that ECOWAS is spearheading the effort to combat these militant groups. A regional force consisting of local African countries rather than western ones will help combating these groups since it is a domestic effort and will take away support and credibility from these militant groups who would otherwise make it an us vs them (foreigners and corrupt leaders). Yet the roots of the conflict. like stephen said, is the need for economic development, infrastructure building and growth with a strong and credible central government
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting to consider how economics are so closely tied to religion and extremism, which is often seen as an entirely separate issue. People really are more motivated to resort to terrorism in desperation--they don't see any alternatives, they're angry, and as wrong as it may be, they feel like they're doing something about it. I agree that it is important to emphasize economic growth as a way to fight terrorism, particularly because then there can also be more investment in education, which not only continues to encourage economic growth but ideally would discourage extremism, as well.
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