** Attack at the IED in Nigeria: a tragedy that raises important questions **
In a tragedy that illustrates the deep persistent instability in Nigeria, at least 26 people lost their lives following the explosion of improvised explosive devices (IED) on a road in Borno state, northeast of the country. This drama, which occurred while farmers and traders circulated on board commercial vehicles, was claimed by the affiliate of the Islamic State group known as Is West Africa Province (ISWAP). Beyond the immediate sorrow caused by this cruel violence, this event draws our attention to the complex roots of the conflict, as well as the security challenges that the region continues.
** Context and origins of the conflict **
Since the emergence of Boko Haram in 2009, Nigeria, in particular its northeast region, has faced a wave of violent insurrections. Boko Haram initially sought to fight what he considered as Western influences and to establish a regime based on a radical interpretation of Islamic law. In 2016, Iswap separated from Boko Haram, taking a strategic turn by targeting not only soldiers but also civilians in a context of internal rivalry and ideological differences.
This last tragic episode of the conflict is only the last in a series of attacks that have had dramatic consequences for the local population: more than 35,000 civilians have lost their lives, and more than 2 million people have been moved due to violence. It is also a reflection of the limits of military interventions in the face of an insurrection which nestles in the points of vulnerability of the daily life of the inhabitants, in their daily trips, their commercial places, and their routines.
** Social and economic impacts **
Victims of this type of attack are often farmers and traders – essential pillars of the local economy. Their losses are not limited to human tragedy. They also relate to the economic survival of already weakened communities. The destruction of the productive life of these families poses a crucial question: how can these communities come up in the face of this persistent violence?
The infrastructure, already very affected by the conflict, see their state deteriorate even more with the appearance of these IEDs on the main roads. The populations, for fear of such attacks, hesitate to move. Trade, essential to the economic life of the villages, is thus disturbed, fueling a cycle of poverty and instability.
** towards better security management **
The renewed commitment of the armed forces with the appointment of a new military commander, General Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, testifies to the awareness of the authorities in the face of the need for a more effective response to this insurrection. Nevertheless, one question remains: how can these military interventions be better suited to meet the needs of civilians while maintaining security?
Strategies to combat terrorism can be enriched by a more holistic approach, integrating both security measures and support for the socio-economic elements of the communities. This could go through the strengthening of local infrastructure, humanitarian assistance, as well as mobilization of the international community in support of the reconstruction and resilience of affected populations.
** Conclusion: a collective reflection on the future **
The situation in Nigeria, and in particular in its northeast region, remains marked by complex challenges. Terrible events and recent attack not only remind us of the urgency of finding concrete solutions to end violence, but also the importance of collective reflection on the underlying causes of this conflict. By encouraging an open dialogue and placing the needs of populations at the heart of response strategies, it becomes possible to work for lasting peace.
The consequences of this tragedy will not be erased by military force alone. They require a renewed commitment to a multidimensional approach which recognizes human suffering in all its complexity. While we reflect on these events, we must consider not only security, but also dignity, justice and the reconstruction of affected lives.