Opinion: Boko Haram: A Manifestation of State Failure; Not the Nature of Islam, By Muhammad Sanusi II
Let me stress that I do not believe that every marginalised or poor Muslim is an extremist. However, I believe the point has been made that certain social and economic conditions are fertile ground for breeding violent movements — be they religious extremists or ethnic militia or just criminal gangs. All of these are present in contemporary northern Nigeria, therefore locating the violence of Boko Haram in religious doctrines misses the point.
So to understand radicalisation in Nigeria, we need to look at structural adjustment policies, de-industrialisation and increased inequalities, beginning from the 1980s. The neglect of agriculture and industry, as Nigeria became a rentier state focused on the oil economy, led to huge economic inequalities. The North, once the richest part of the country, became the poorest, compounded by high fertility rates, rapid demographic growth, desertification and climate change.
While it is true that many contemporary radical scholars of Salafi tendency construe that the majority of Salafis are violent or radical groups in Sunni Islam are Salafi, it is by no means true that the majority of Salafis are violent or radical. The majority of scholars of Salafi tendency condemn violence and bloodshed radicalism and in fact frown upon any kind of rebellion against established authority.
The same arguments used by Askia to justify his coup were used by Uthman Dan Fodio to justify his jihad. In fact one very small but important pamphlet written by Uthman Dan Fodio, titled, was almost entirely a reproduction of Askia’s questions and al-Maghili’s answers. Clearly Uthman Dan Fodio, a Sufi, was not averse to basing his Jihad on Salafi premises.
…a long term solution must look beyond military tactics to issues of governance, economic inequality, social exclusion and marginalisation and perceived injustices. As we reflect on the rise of religious extremism, ethnic conflict and criminal violence in Nigeria, we must not forget that explanations for Boko Haram lie in the failures of the state, not in the nature of Islam.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NAF rains bombs on Sambisa as Boko Haram fighters regroup
Read more »
Boko Haram: NAF neutralises insurgents in Borno - Daily Post NigeriaThe Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised dozens of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) at Bula Korege on the fringes of the Sambisa forest in Borno State.
Read more »
Boko Haram kidnapping doctors, ex-military men to work for them - Lawmaker reveals - Daily Post NigeriaA member of the House of Representatives, representing Dambao/Gwoza/Chibok federal constituency of Borno State has revealed that Boko Haram group are
Read more »
Luxury For ‘Repentant’ Boko Haram Members - THISDAYLIVEThe bill seeking for the rehabilitation of repentant insurgents is ill-advised In the midst of the ongoing serial brutalities against Nigerians who reside in the North-east, a bewildering bill was recently tabled before the Senate aimed at mainstreaming “repentant” Boko Haram insurgents into the Nigerian society. Sponsored by former Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who …
Read more »
Kano government says it didn't banish Sanusi from Kano – Daily TrustThe Kano State government did not banish the deposed Emir, Muhammad Sanusi II from Kano, the Attorney-General of the state, Ibrahim Muktar...
Read more »
Kano State denies banishing Sanusi“You see, If you listen to the Secretary to the State Government when he was addressing the press on the issue of the removal of the emir from office, there was nowhere he said the emir was even banished from Kano State.”
Read more »