Boko Haram: A New Beginning?

Boko Haram, whose name loosely translates to "Western education is a sin," has been operating in Nigeria since the early 2000's. It was not designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States Department of State until 2013, although there was likely sufficient evidence to make the designation earlier. During those ten years, as Boko Haram and its influence grew, it was sometimes difficult to grasp the organization's potential longevity, though time itself should have been an indicating factor over the years.

(Boko Haram attacks, BBC)

This week, Boko Haram leaders pledged allegiance to ISIS, a move that could reflect a new beginning for the terrorist group. Evidence that ISIS has been influencing Boko Haram has existed for the past few months. It could also simply demonstrate the reach and dominance of ISIS. All in all, the full impact of this 'bayat' are not entirely clear. Increased coordination between different organizations is certainly of concern, reminding nations of similar coordination under the al-Qaeda umbrella. At the same time, Boko Haram could simply be jumping on the ISIS bandwagon. 

Nigeria? Anyone? Anyone at all?

[Our 2014 posts did slow to a trickle and disappear, but we are returning in 2015, with new posts and insights]

Boko Haram has been around for years, they kidnapped 200 Nigerian girls, quasi-sort-of-not-really released them after significant public outcry but little international action, and are now posing trouble again, kidnapping villagers and attacking bases. But is anyone outside of Nigeria and the Lake Chad basin listening?

While not helping may have consequences for the region, not listening may have broader consequences. Terrorist groups, which is a category Boko Haram falls under, seek to incite fear. They are certainly inciting localized or regional fear, but on the international arena, stories about Boko Haram incidents fall below the fold, for now. Perhaps some more attention, at the diplomatic and even military level, may reign in Boko Haram and return the fear.