Forum: JoMUN XVI Johannesburg Model United Nation 2018 Issue: The situation of the ongoing terrorist attacks and factions in the Sahel and West Africa Student Officer: Debarya Guha Position: Deputy Secretary General INTRODUCTION The Sahel is a geographic belt in Africa, below the Sahara and above the Savannas. The semiarid biome of the area causes multiple droughts and soil erosion, resulting many years where ~100 000 people die due to starvation and agriculture-related diseases. This makes the region agriculturally, and therefore economically, impoverished. Even if only part of the country is part of the geographic region, in political contexts, the whole country is considered part of the Sahel. Political Region Geographic Region There are two main terrorist groups in the region - Boko Haram and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Many other smaller terrorist groups are working with these two, which creates even further outreach to recruit, and larger resource banks to use in attacks. Daesh is also gaining presence in and around Libya, and the competition there against AQIM is creating concern for terrorist groups to try to outshine each other by creating larger terrorist attacks. This is already being seen over the last few years with multiple attacks on hotels with tourists and kidnappings. Political and economic factions also play a role in the region, with armed parties in Mali spreading across the Sahel to cause disruption in political organisations, and free, fair elections. International action has been dominated by France, as they have launched multiple partnerships with West African and Sahelian countries for military action. However, funding has been the biggest issue, and while progress had been made to contain the groups recently, no long-term solution is in the horizon. Public and professional opinion has been that efforts should be concentrated on also fighting educational, ethnic and cultural issues as these are factors on why the issue has not been resolved. Research Report Page 1 of 11
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS Terrorism Illegal violence, mostly directed at the public, for political motives Johannesburg Model United Nation 2018 Jihad In political contexts, it is the protection of Islamic ideals from any enemies, be it through regulated force (not on women, children etc.) or not Tuareg Traditional, nomadic farmers associated with the Berber Ethnicity in Northern Africa Corruption Illegal and immoral actions by people in power, often exploitative in nature Ethnicity A group of people with a shared characteristic of religion, culture etc. Smuggling Illegal transport of goods and services Maghreb An area in northeast Africa encompassing countries of West and North Africa Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb An extremist group wanting to replace the Algerian government with and Islamic constitution Boko Haram An extremist jihadi group wanting an Islamic State around the Sahel Armed Political Groups Factions wanting political power, with extremist and military backing BACKGROUND ON THE ISSUE This section will talk about the causes of this issue. For an history, refer to the section: Timeline of Key Events. AQIM and Boko Haram have constantly preyed on infrastructure, health, education, religion, social events and resources to take over small towns and gain sizeable land in the past few years. Many factors pay into the rise of this ideology - The role of countries in allowing terrorist groups to thrive Most countries in Sahel and West Africa deal with slow economies due to political corruption and poor agriculture. This combined with low Human Development Index ratings, high unemployment, poor healthcare, ethnic violence and lack of education, terrorist groups have an easy time recruiting from the frustrated public of the country with hopes of a fair and successful future. Mali the government of Mali largely ignores the Tuareg minority of the North due to ethnic tensions and small populations. Even after revolutions in 1962, 1992 and 2012 from the population group for fair Research Report Page 2 of 11
treatment, false promises are made and any government officials from the region are often corrupted or overshadowed by others. This has cause a general frustration in Northern Mali, one of the heaviest hotspots for terrorist activity and recruitment in the Sahel. Niger A similar issue persists in Niger, but due to the abundance of natural resources such as uranium in the area of the Tuaregs, more attention has been paid. However, social programs, education, healthcare and other services have not been focused on and has therefore also created unrest within the area. Other region of Niger, such as the Diffa, are not cared about enough either, explaining the expansion of Boko Haram there. Nigeria Ethnic violence has been a problem in Nigeria, with further religious violence between Muslims living in the fertile-land-impoverished northern Chad Basin area and Christians in more economically stable regions of the country. This is why Boko Haram, centered in Nigeria, has a anti-christian agenda. The method of recruiting of terrorist groups The combination of all the unrest in the political situations of the countries and poverty of the region makes recruitment rapid and fulfilling. Boko Haram and AQIM have also overthrown towns and gain more supporters in the past. This was, and is still done to this day through social methods or violence. Often, recruits are promised free marriages, which is a very respectable and important custom in the traditional families of the Sahel and West Africa. The groups also target certain racial or ethnic lines, such as the discrimination towards the Tuareg, or Muslim oppression in Nigeria, to persuade civilians that they are fighting for the right side. Further hopes of a better state with no taxes, tolls and more are also promised in return. However, when such psychological methods do not work, families of men are often murdered, kidnapped or blackmailed into joining. Factions active in the region Economic Factions With the burst of commercial flight for trading, the Sahara, a previous trade route into Europe and Asia, and turned into a smuggling route today. Major cities such as Timbuktu, Ghat, Agadez and Gao, all in the Sahel and West Africa, have become hotspots for groups illegally trading. Cigarettes from Asia make about ~ $11 billion a year, drugs from South America pass into Europe for ~ $800 million a year, and subsidized cars, furniture and other products from Algeria also bring in millions. Furthermore, not only are arms also smuggled, humans smuggling now accounts for about ~ $150 million a year, which is easily done through bribes in the impoverished nations. These groups are also targeting governments and creating attacks to blackmail politicians, open new routes and generally increase an incredibly profitable business. Political Groups While mostly concentrated in Mali, the Coordination of Movement of Azawad (LMA) and Platform of Algiers are starting armed, radical groups to gain power in the political sphere. Not only does this cause more terrorist attacks and force more civilians to join the armed parties, the seeming disorder in the countries political realms pushes more people to join terrorist groups or economic factions to in desperation. Research Report Page 3 of 11
How the US government promoted terrorism in the area This is evidence from Professor Jeremy Keenan and other researchers. Many of these points were proven through Hillary Clinton s leaked emails 2 years ago. The promotion of terrorism in the Sahel by the US happened in four phases. Phase 1 During the Algerian Civil War, the ruling party banned an Islamist party that was set to win the elections. This caused unrest from Islamists, and the US funded weapons and technology for the Algerian Army to fight them off. The Proactive Preemptive Operation group was then created by the government, which falsified terrorist attack claims or staged them, such kidnappings of tourists. This was all done to gain political power in the region to receive oil, and fight China is its expansion into Africa. This was continued by Pan Sahel Initiative in 2004, where forces were deployed into the region, and expanded on later, with other countries to the Trans Sahara Counterterrorism Initiative. This increased pressure on the region kept other countries such as France, out of the Sahel and West Africa for decades. Phase 2 In 2006, this was taken to the next level with not only more staged attacks, but also rebellions to falsely show two frustrated sides. The GSPC group, a terrorist group in the region, was then paid through the US government to align with Al Qaeda, giving birth to AQIM, which allowed stronger action from the government and people of America. More forces were added to the belt with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). Phase 3 More hostage takings were faked, while reporting of terrorist controlled areas was largely manipulate and bigger than the reality. Phase 4 Weapons were now being given again, with the intention of making the groups fight for more land in Mali. The group hoping the US with these actions is not anymore, but members still loom around. Furthermore, the leader Boko Haram is confirmed to be from a terrorist training camp that was fabricated by the US, making Boko Hara a possible US creation. MAJOR COUNTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED Mali Ethnic violence with major north-south separation. Armed political group also active in the country Nigeria Reports of battles with Boko Haram in villages with many civilian casualties or leavers. Chad Conflict with Nigeria as Chad has only focused on AQIM, strong partner to France Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Research Report Page 4 of 11
Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria armed force form these governments, under stress of funding G-5 Sahel Armed partnership between Mali, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria and France and EU. Troops from thee unit are only available to be active in their country, making the process to fight terrorism longer and with more chances of failure. CEMOC A largely unused intelligence firm from the governments of Algeria, Mali, Mauritania and Niger to provide intelligence on AQIM activity. MINUMA United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali used to keep civilians safe from armed political faction in Mali. Largely nonviolent, except if needed in defence ISIS and Al Qaeda Provides international funds to terrorists France ~ 3000 personnel in region on duty for armed resistance against terrorists. Major international player as it has trade ties with all the previous colonies that it owned in the Sahel and West Africa. The main target of the AQIM EU Donated 600 million on security with these countries. Part of the Common Security and Defence Policy of the EE is focused on security in West Africa and Sahel UNOWAS United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel. While not involved directly in conflict, action can be implemented through this committee for resolutions. Timeline 1: Boko Haram TIMELINE OF KEY EVENTS Date Event 2002 Started in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Goal is to end western influence, stop corrupt religious figures. July 2009 The founder and 800 other members die in a police raid. Remaining members spread to other countries 2011 Return into Nigeria with multiple bomb plots and attacks August 2011 Many civilians left dead after government imposed State of Emergency starts armed battles in towns and villages. Members of Boko Haram displaced 2011-2012 Civilian Joint Task Force is created by public to fight off any supporters of Boko Haram. Work with police to give intelligence. Research Report Page 5 of 11
2012 Leaders in boko Haram feud over true ideology of group and whether or not Muslims should be targeted 2012 Ansaru terrorist group splits from Boko Haram that has ties to both AQIM and Boko Haram, but only focuses on Christians. 2015 Sahel countries join together in armed conflict, thousands of Boko Haram supporters neutralized and captured, many others surrendered, lots of land taken back. Boko Haram pledges allegiance to Al Qaeda 2016 Violence only on Christians declared by leaders Today Girls being used as suicide bombers Timeline 2: AQIM Date Event 1992 Algerian Civil War creates Salafist Islamic Group for Preaching and Combat resistance (GSPC) (explained in Background) 2003 32 Europeans as hostages creates pressure on Algerian government, which mobilises forces and push them out of Algeria into the Sahel 2007 Al Qaeda allegiance announced. Group also splits into MUJAO (movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa) group (in Mauritania and Mali), after tension and ethnic divide in Arab and Black African members of AQIM 2011-2012 Al Mulathameen split from AQIM. Change to al-mourabitoum with members from MUJAO. All three groups still generally work together 2011 Libyan State failure creates armed political faction MNLA and with AQIM, they are pushed deep into North Mali and major cities i.e. Timbuktu, Gao etc. 2013 French airstrikes on AQIM territory pushes them back and into disarray and out of Mali 2013 MINUSMA in charge of protecting against AQIM and MNLA in Mali Today AQIM is training heavily in military combat and is still active and regrouping. RELEVANT UN RESOLUTIONS, TREATIES, AND EVENTS UN Resolution 2100 (in 2013) Establish MINUSMA with the mandate of all necessary means to secure Northern Mali. A deal was made with the Mali government to have fair elections in return. UN Resolution 2164 (in 2014) Added more reformatory mandates to help the government with Human Rights, security in general as well as more social actions for civilians. Research Report Page 6 of 11
UN Resolution 2349 (in 2017) Expanded military action against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin area in partnership with Sahelian countries. Mandate of military action and changes to human rights violation within the terrorist groups. UNODC The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has helped with resources and legislature against economic factions in the region that thrive on drug smuggling. It has also tried to give more confidence to the public on trials related to drug offences by physically helping in judicial cases. PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS TO SOLVE THE ISSUE G-5 Sahel The G5 has existed for years to fight general terrorism in the member countries own borders, and it has worked in zoning out the groups. However, in 2017, a security force from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger was merged with the existing G5 to create a new military force in the Sahel. The 5000-troop group will be on borders of nations in West Africa and the Sahel, and will get more funding from the EU. However, the UN, specifically the UK and US vetoed a resolution for more money on the force, and many of the G5 nations like Cameroon, which are not as affected by Boko Haram or AQIM are unwilling to pay too much. Civilian Joint Task Force A group of local vigilantes took over the fight by getting inside knowledge on the whereabouts and plans of the Boko Haram in Maiduguri, helping the police and getting military training themselves. This allowed the force to take back territory and rescue any hostages or abused women. Today, it is heavily monitored by forces and the UN to make sure it does not become corrupted or too aggressive. MNJTF This group focused on Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin in the middle of the Sahel. Focusing on military strategy but helping with humanitarian causes, this is a joint initiative by the government in the region and has been effective in causing disarray to Boko Haram in cities such as Diffa and Baga, two former strongholds of Boko Haram. Operation Barkhane A French led operation in the Sahelian and Wet African countries, it has thousands of men and can cross borders. It has also been effective and fast and strong military action against strongholds in towns. In 2015, one of the operations successfully killed the founder of MUJAO. Being independent of other African countries, it has more freedom in its actions and it not restricted if other countries do not want to contribute funds like in the G5 Sahel. Research Report Page 7 of 11
In Summary- Operations G5 Sahel Civilian Joint Task Force MNJTF Operation Barkhane Targets All terrorism in Sahel and West Africa In Nigeria In Lake Chad Basin Across Border POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Funding to Task Forces Almost all military action in the region in underfunded. The UK and US should be convinced to fund military action on the basis of democracy, resources and overall humanitarian causes. Perhaps the evidence of terrorist funding by the US should be used to launce any counter arguments. Further donations should be made from all countries affected by Daesh halting terrorism in this region has implication on the strength and funding Daesh receives from illegal trade routes. Educational, Social and Humanitarian Reforms While there are 4 major, and many more minor military task forces, the main crux of the problem comes from the economic issues and low Human Development Index rating for the country. The UN Human Rights organisations such as UN Women should be deployed into the Sahel (with troops for protection) to suggest reforms to the governments. Further resolutions should be considered by the General Assembly for educational and healthcare reforms in the region. This can be helped by UNOWAS. Separating Terrorist Organisations Military focus should be on separating terrorist organisations into zones as any contact between different groups can start new, more resourceful and motivated groups or start competition to outshine by creating bigger terrorist attacks. This will also help isolate the groups for military action. Controlling Corruption Distrust in government and cause extremist views. While the UN is already trying to make changes in corruption in exchange for funds and troops, it is not enough to bring back trust in the public. Corruption must simply be a focus in future resolutions by suggesting clear and implementable ideas to stop it, or simply utilising different UN offices to help change norms and audit in governments and/or task forces. Research Report Page 8 of 11
WORKS CITED Administrator. ISCA. Jihad: A Misunderstood Concept from Islam - What Jihad Is, and Is Not, islamicsupremecouncil.org/understanding-islam/legal-rulings/5-jihad-a-misunderstoodconcept-from-islam.html?start=9. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 May 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/al-qaeda_in_the_islamic_maghreb. Authors, Multiple. Assessing the Multinational Joint Task Force against Boko Haram. Institute for Security Studies, Sept. 2016. Bala, Kawu. "Terror and Insurgency in the Sahara-Sahel Region: Corruption, Contraband, Jihad and the Mali War of 2012 2013." Political Studies Review, vol. 14, no. 3, Aug. 2016, p. 491. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1177/1478929916653527. Bamidele, Oluwaseun. Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) A Community Security Option: A Comprehensive and Proactive Approach to Counter-Terrorism. Journal for Deradicalisation, 2016. Boko Haram. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 May 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/boko_haram#name. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. Sahel. Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 28 Jan. 2014, www.britannica.com/place/sahel. Challenges and Opportunities for the G5 Sahel Force. ReliefWeb, 7 July 2017, reliefweb.int/report/mali/challenges-and-opportunities-g5-sahel-force. Civilian Joint Task Force in Northeast Nigeria Signs Action Plan to End Recruitment of Children. UNICEF, 15 Sept. 2017, www.unicef.org/media/media_100837.html. Dowd, Caitriona, and Clionadh Raleigh. The Myth of Global Islamic Terrorism and Local Conflict in Mali and the Sahel. Oxford Academic, 1 July 2013, academic.oup.com/afraf/articleabstract/112/448/498/124691?redirectedfrom=fulltext. In Africa's Sahel Region, a Strategy of Containment. Geopolitical Futures, 26 Oct. 2017, geopoliticalfutures.com/africas-sahel-strategy-containment/. Jama'at Nasr Al-Islam Wal Muslimin. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 May 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/jama%27at_nasr_al-islam_wal_muslimin. Keenan, Jeremy. "How Terror Came to the Sahel." New African, no. 560, Apr. 2016, p. 56. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&an=115104023&site=ehost-live Mali and the Sahel-Sahara: From Crisis Management to Sustainable Strategy. International Peace Institute, Feb. 2013. Research Report Page 9 of 11
Militancy and the Arc of Instability. The New Southbound Policy Center for Strategic and International Studies, 23 Mar. 2018, www.csis.org/analysis/militancy-and-arc-instability. MINUSMA Peacekeeping. United Nations, United Nations, peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/minusma. National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 May 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/national_movement_for_the_liberation_of_azawad. The New Face of the Sahel Africa Renewal Online. United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/august-november-2017/new-face-sahel. News. UNOWAS, unowas.unmissions.org/news. Operation Barkhane: Goals and Reasons Why It Could Fail. GEOPOLITICA.info, 12 Feb. 2015, www.geopolitica.info/operation-barkhane/. "Quelling Terrorism Threat in the Sahel." Military Technology, vol. 35, no. 1, Jan. 2011, p. 281. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sch&an=62826948&site=ehost-live. Sahel: Governments Achieve Positive Results with UN Support. UNODC, 26 Feb. 2018, www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2018/february/sahel_-governments-achieve-positiveresults-with-un-support.html. Establishes Peacekeeping Force for Mali Effective 1 July, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2100 (2013) Meetings Coverage and Press Releases. United Nations, United Nations, 25 Apr. 2013, www.un.org/press/en/2013/sc10987.doc.htm. Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attacks, Other Violations in Lake Chad Basin Region, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2349 (2017) Meetings Coverage and Press Releases. United Nations, United Nations, 31 Mar. 2018, www.un.org/press/en/2017/sc12773.doc.htm. Told African-Led Force on Terrorism in the Sahel Operational but Challenged UN News. United Nations, United Nations, news.un.org/en/story/2017/08/563352-securitycouncil-told-african-led-force-terrorism-sahel-operational-challenged. Suleiman, Muhammad Dan. Sahel Region, Africa. The Conversation, The Conversation, 7 May 2018, theconversation.com/sahel-region-africa-72569. UN Documents for UNOWAS (West Africa and the Sahel). Yemen Chronology of Events : Report, www.securitycouncilreport.org/un-documents/unowas-west-africaand-the-sahel/. United Nations Official Document. United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=s%2fres%2f2164%282014%29&referer= %2Fenglish%2F&Lang=E. Research Report Page 10 of 11
ZOUBIR, YAHIA H. The United States and Maghreb Sahel Security. Freshwater Biology, Wiley/Blackwell (10.1111), 8 Sept. 2009, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1468-2346.2009.00842.x. Zoubir, Yahia H. "The Sahara-Sahel Quagmire: Regional and International Ramifications." Mediterranean Politics, vol. 17, no. 3, Nov. 2012, pp. 452-458. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/13629395.2012.725307. APPENDIX OR APPENDICES https://www.csis.org/analysis/militancy-and-arc-instability An elaborate and detailed report of all the reasons behind the conflict, with all factions, armed groups, terrorist groups and governments covered a must read for all delegates. https://unowas.unmissions.org/news United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel for up-to-date policies and actions http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/un-documents/unowas-west-africa-and-the-sahel/ All UN resolutions and important documents on this issue If delegates have access to databases such as Ebsco Host or Questia, Jeremy Keenan on the US involvement in the Sahel should be searched it gives a new perspective on the root of this issue. Research Report Page 11 of 11