Conflict over Resources and Terrorism: Two Facets of Insecurity

• Chapter 1 - Environmental and security parameters
• Chapter 2 - Land conflicts 
• Chapter 3 - Agro-pastoral tensions 

• Chapter 4 - Analysis of the crisis in northern Mali
• Chapter 5 - Boko Haram: A new threat in West Africa 
• Chapter 6 - Applying anti-terrorism mechanisms 

The notion that climate change breeds violence is prevalent. Several schools of thought focus on the relationship among resources, confl ict and security. Eco-violence theory argues that resource scarcity is linked to violent confl ict. However, many researchers dispute this argument because no consensus exists in terms of factual evidence and quantitative research in this area (for example, between drought and violent confl ict). Combined with other parameters, indirect effects may be detectable through intermediate channels, particularly in the case of small-scale violent confl ict, such as in the confl icts between farmers and herders in arid and semi-arid areas. This chapter examines if such a relationship exists with the help of relevant case studies. > read

 

 

West Africa is a “zone of instability” in particular because of long-running tension between sedentary farmers and nomadic communities. These two groups have for a long time co-existed in a complementary way, sharing the same ecological niche and common pool resources. This relationship is now weakened by competition and confl ict. This is a result of several factors, which include changing demographic, social, political, and environmental conditions. The tension threatens peace and regional security. The formal mechanisms of conflict resolution have thus far not succeeded. A number of factors (the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, poor regulatory mechanism for arms and ammunitions, upward trends in population density) will continue to heighten agro-pastoral tensions and other forms of confl ict in the region and beyond. > read

 

As the international community debates military intervention into northern Mali, the need to understand the causes of the crisis and the groups that have perpetuated it have never been more urgent. This chapter1 provides a diagnosis of the crisis in northern Mali and discusses the policy challenges and risks the international community faces in reaching a resolution. It argues that Bamako’s loss of control over the north is due to longstanding socioeconomic grievances among the Touareg, compounded by complex new threats and developments. The exploitation of the Touareg rebellion by radical Islamist terrorist groups presents a unique and complex challenge not only to Mali but also to the wider region. As military intervention looms, so too does the prospect of protracted confl ict that will very likely affect the entire region. Planning will need to look beyond short-term responses to the crisis: sustainable security will depend upon sustainable development. > read

 

This chapter discusses the political, economic and religious factors that gave rise to Boko Haram, the most active terrorist group in Nigeria. It argues that Boko Haram’s tactics may be evolving from a locally focused insurgency to transnational terrorist activities, and that the movement poses a growing threat to neighbouring countries, particularly Mali and Niger. The Nigerian government’s failure to address socio-economic marginalisation, combined with heavy-handed counter-terrorism measures has hindered efforts to end the Islamist-led insurgency in the north. Nigeria’s experience and Boko Haram’s dramatic escalation of violence, provides lessons for other countries about the need to understand and tackle this new and evolving threat. Boko Haram embodies a growing regional security challenge that requires a coordinated regional response, including joint security initiatives and shared commitment to development and governance in vulnerable areas. > read

 

Chapter 6 - Applying anti-terrorism mechanisms