bbc.com
Borno State Residents Live in Fear Under Boko Haram and ISWAP Control
Three local government areas in Borno State, Nigeria—Gudumbari, Marte, and Abadam—remain under the control of Boko Haram and ISWAP, forcing residents to live in fear since 2018 due to constant threats, taxation, and limited access to safety and essential supplies.
- What are the underlying causes of the prolonged lack of government response to the crisis in Borno State?
- The ongoing conflict in Borno State highlights the inadequate protection of civilians in the face of sustained terrorist activity. The displacement of populations, coupled with the inability of residents to freely travel to Maiduguri, underscores the severe humanitarian crisis. The lack of effective military presence in affected areas for several years indicates systemic failures in security response.
- What is the immediate impact of Boko Haram and ISWAP control on civilian populations in Borno State's affected local government areas?
- Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) control three local government areas in Borno State, Nigeria: Gudumbari, Marte, and Abadam. Residents report living in constant fear due to daily threats and taxation by the terrorist groups. The situation has persisted since at least 2018, with limited to no military intervention in affected villages.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the sustained control of these territories by non-state actors on the stability of the region?
- The continued control of local government areas by Boko Haram and ISWAP in Borno State suggests a potential for further instability and displacement. The lack of substantial government intervention raises concerns about the long-term security of the region and the well-being of the affected population. Future efforts must prioritize the restoration of security and humanitarian aid delivery to these isolated communities.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely sympathetic to the plight of the residents, emphasizing their fear and hardship. While this is understandable given the topic, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective that also considers the broader political and military contexts.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and informative, although phrases like "live inside fear" are emotive. The article could be improved by replacing such phrases with more descriptive yet objective ones, for example, instead of "live inside fear" it could say "experience significant insecurity".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the experiences of residents living under Boko Haram and ISWAP control, but it omits information regarding the government's response beyond the statements of officials. It doesn't detail specific military actions, aid efforts, or strategies to combat the insurgency. The lack of this context limits the reader's ability to fully understand the situation's complexity and the extent of government involvement.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the loss of governmental control over large swathes of territory in Borno State, Nigeria, to Boko Haram and ISWAP. This signifies a breakdown of peace and security, undermining the rule of law and state institutions. Residents live in constant fear, subject to violence, taxation without representation, and arbitrary punishment. The inability of the Nigerian military to protect civilians further demonstrates the weakness of state institutions and lack of justice.