Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi
The danger of Boko Haram is no longer confined to Nigeria as this organisation is actively involved in terrorist acts in many neighbouring countries. It has become a threat not only to the security and stability of the African continent but the entire world.
Boko Haram is the African affiliate of Al Qaeda like the Ansar Al Sharia in Libya, Al Shabab in Somalia, Al Qaeda in the Maghreb and Yemen and IS in Iraq and Syria. All of them specialise in committing crimes against humanity, including children. Boko Haram is also known for abduction of schoolgirls and recruiting underage people in grave violation of all humanitarian principles and laws.
Boko Haram was founded in 2002. Boko in Hausa language means book and Haram is from Arabic, together meaning ‘Western education is forbidden’, which is embodied in the holy books according to the perception of the group. African countries are fully aware of the dangers of Boko Haram but confronting it seems to be beyond their ability.
The international community must chip in and shoulder the responsibility for rooting out this terrorist outfit.
African countries are reeling under several internal crises as many of them are fighting armed rebels at home, or opposition groups, and have serious border disputes with neighbours. This is one reason they are calling for UN intervention to fight this terrorist group. Boko Haram is a common threat, and should be confronted collectively. Forming international forces in coordination with African regional powers will be an opportunity to express solidarity with Africa and send a strong message to terrorists all over the world.
Collective responsibility in fighting terrorism should take priority over double standards and political bickering as we see in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. The Peninsula
