By Retlaw Matatu Matorwa
The much
celebrated Nigerian and American military search for the abducted girls is yet
to produce results. It appears Boko Harum had their strategy well figured out. They
had time to work out and perfect their own intelligence strategy.
The
theory that, Boko Harum has decimated the girls into smaller numbers to avoiding
detection is quite credible. It may be possible, some of the girls crossed
borders to neighboring States within and outside Nigeria. Although, American
policy on terrorism maintains “no negotiations with terrorists,” Considering
what is at stake and fruitless efforts invested so far this maybe the right
time for dialogue.
Media reported Boko Harum is being aided by Al-quaeda. No valid evidence was provided to support the claims. But, if indeed it is true – It’s unfortunate for Nigeria, especially when America is part of the equation.
Since
September 9/11, Al-queda and United States of America declared sworn in enemies.
Wherever, Al-queda potentially flourishes or operates America intervenes-
hoping to wipe them out and teach Al-queda a lesson. On one hand, driven by
their conviction and “faith” Al-queda claims the will of Allah to swab out
American imperialism and hegemony. America is seen as a threat to Islamism. A
thesis can be written on evolution of Al-queda and American animosity but the
9/11 bombings drew the line.
Analysts still term the bombing of the World
Trade Center, “The Grand Attack.” Americans were caught unaware; the bombings
left American pride wounded at its very best, everyone questioning the super
power’s intelligence and security systems. In fact, Americans never imagined
such an attack would happen on their territory. At the same time, Al-queda celebrated
having beaten the best security system in the world; it marked the beginning of
their confidence in fighting America. To date, America’s MOST hated group is
Al-queda.
Serve
for 2011, America has been waging wars and dared to fight terrorism, but doing
so off American soil. These wars are fought in other territories with non
American casualties. In Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq just to mention but
a few, the real casualties were people who remained long after Americans withdrew.
In most cases countries are left far worse, fragile and ungovernable than they
were before. Infrastructure dilapidation, breakdown of social order and insecurity
usually are the results. I’m yet to encounter a state whose conditions improved
thereafter. It’s a point that is debatable though!
In
no way, am I against the intervention of Americans in Nigeria, it is a noble
gesture of goodwill and concerns for the welfare of others. In my last article,
I lamented the lack of a coordinated response from African head of states and
regional bodies such as Economic Community of West African States Monitoring
Group and African Union.
My
point is, in a conflict situation it is important to engage parties involved
and decide on the modus operandi for engagement or intervention. Care enough to
understand each parties’ grievances. What are the underlying issues? How these
issues did come about? Has there been an effort internally to resolve them? In
the case of Nigeria, is it just civil disobedience, terrorism or an indication
of growing frustrations of the masses? And above all, are parties willing to
engage each other, can a solution be found?
Once
these questions are answered and armored with facts selecting effective
mediators and course of action is imperative. In this case, the mediator has to
be far away from the conflict but understands the real issues and the capacity
to maintain impartiality.
Back to our case, the Nigerian Crisis- once
Al-queda is involved, whether using a front or supporting any group American
intervention becomes a different game. Simply put, it’s Al-queda and America
fighting in disregard of the casualties and what is at stake. America would
proudly support initiatives that demonstrate their military superiority whilst
Al-queda thrives to use any means at their disposal to show Americans- “you are
not in control and we give you a run for your money.”
Whoever
coined the American policy of “no negotiations with terrorist” had the utopian
belief that it is feasible for America to squash terrorism in a twinkle of an
eye, which is proving to be difficult. At the same time they believed, once one
gives in to terrorists demands it increase or encourage terrorist’s activities
thereby legitimizing terrorism as a means to address grievances.
Be that as it may, acts of “terrorism” and insurgency
in Nigeria do have an economic, social and political basis which should be
understood in its own context. The abduction of the girls is/was not a random activity;
it’s a well orchestrated plan with a set objective- Maybe seeking an audience
for a cause.
My experience with Nigeria confirms the social
inequalities and political exclusion bred a constituency of disgruntled masses,
whose hearts has been hardened over time by so many hardships. These people are
prepared to do anything to gain an advantage especially the unemployed youths.
I visited Niger Delta in 2004. I was confronted
with situations I had never imagined. The living conditions are appalling to
say the very least, poor sanitation, oil pipes running through villages, gases
and sooth 24 hours a day. You can’t drink any water, wells are infested with
oil and petroleum waste. They are confronted with oil burst burning and destroying
lives and torching homesteads. Farming is virtually impossible due to the
contamination of both water sources and agricultural fields. There is no
difference between day and night because of flames oozing out of oil rig up the
chimneys.
One woman
wanting to prove a point, took a cup of milk and placed it on her roof; in
fifteen minutes it had turned grey in colour indicating high levels of soot. Schools,
hospitals and social services infrastructure is dilapidated, unemployment is
rife and yet this is where the biggest percentage of Nigeria’s wealth comes
from. Surely, the day I spent and slept there changed my opinion on the plight
of the people of Niger Delta and justified their uprising.
Against
this background, Africa needs to deal with its issues in context and opening dialogue
is critical. Otherwise, we run a risk of the Nigerian crisis hijacked and
entangled in wars with no desire to address the root problems of our continent.
Americans once invited, will not leave Nigeria without dealing with Al-queda
(for them they are fighting with Al-queda not book harum) God, Allah know when
this fight will end.
Should
dialogue be initiated it may assist in rescuing our girls at the same time map a
lasting solution. Negotiations reduce the risk of a fully fledged war, it opens
up opportunities for stalling and managing the conflict- it creates a condition
of sanity under the guise of resolving issues.
The problem with military intervention is the creation of an artificial winner and loser. Gudluck Jonathan has the official story which is supported by an audience, Boko harum, a declared terrorist group has not yet availed their side of the story. All we know is who they are and working with. I’m not sure; all that has happened in the name of this group is just sheer killings, insurgency and abductions for no reason at all. Military mighty may suppress or defeat the group but as long as the same challenges still exist- there will be no winner, it will re-occur.
In
the quest for lasting solutions, let us remember thousands whose lives were
lost in Nigeria, Above all, we need to make sure our girls are returned safely,
alive and as it stands they appear to be ponies in a game of chess.
Let’s,
Negotiate pride doesn’t pay.
Dzorai
vasikana!
It’s
just my thinking
Black
September
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