Boko Haram from the Inside

[Valin]

Via Meadia:

Walter Russell Mead

5/22/12

 

Boko Haram remains faceless and mysterious to Nigerians, but it does appear to have a strategy and organization, according to an interview with Ahmad Salkida, the Nigerian journalist widely considered to know the group more intimately than almost anyone. In 2005, Salkida began praying at Mohammed Yusuf’s mosque, where Boko Haram originally took shape, was arrested with Yusuf and overheard his execution by police officers, and remains in close contact with the group. Salkida’s neutrality has been questioned by those who think he is too close to Boko Haram, but no one doubts that his information is accurate. What he has to say is very interesting for those of us concerned about Boko Haram’s continued attacks against civilians, the Nigerian government, and Western institutions in Nigeria.

 

(Snip)

 

Mr. Salkida, with his contacts and knowledge of the group, has shone some light on these important questions: Boko Haram intends to continue its attacks against installations it views as oppressive against northern Nigeria, including those tied to the West. It is not focused solely on attacking Christians; in fact, according to the FT it has killed more Muslims than Christians. This is true of most of these “Islamic” terror movements; far more Muslims have been killed by their attacks than members of any other religion.

 

Perhaps most disturbing is the news that Boko Haram’s links with al-Qaeda are deepening. Africa is full of local conflicts; al-Qaeda money, experience and ideology can transform small local conflicts into much more serious affairs, and the weakly governed back country of Africa is hard for the forces of order to police and control.

 

(Snip)