nigeria and the multinational task force

• • Founded out of the emergence of economic challenges, inequality and corruption, Boko Haram has demonstrated adaptability to further it’s agenda. 
  • It demonstrated the ability, particularly its insurgency to seize in 2014 and 2015, to seize and capture land. 
  • (ALCED) It’s notoriety was cemented in 2014, where the group abducted 276 Chibok schoolgirls, subsequenting in the #BringBackOurGirls movement. 
• • In response to the government’s mishandling of this situation and escalating violence, the Multinational Joint Task Force was formed. 
  • It seeks to respond to the terrorist activities conducted by Boko Haram by liberating its victims and arresting its perpetrators. 
• OBJECTIVES of MJNT

  • Strengthen regional coordination and command of military cooperation through the provision of non-lethal equipment and services.
  • The 10,000 strong-force comprising troops from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, is primarily funded by the Nigerian government with additional support from strategic partners like the US and the EU
• EFFECTIVNESS of MJNT

  • The EU has signed an agreement with the African Union Commission in August 2016 to provide the force with key assets of 55 million euros - an ‘additional support package’. The EU is the MNJTF’s biggest contributor. 
  • In 2017, according to the Global Terrorism Index, MNJTF intervention had contributed to an 80% fall in casualties of Boko Haram.
• INEFFECTIVENESS of MJNT (poor cooperation)

  • It’s effectiveness has been inconsistent due to challenges like coordination among member states and political dynamics. 
  • Shortfalls and delays have led participating states to pin blame for the task forces failures on the West. 
  • For example, in 2015, the EU promises to provide funds, but only through the African Union. 
  • However, these funds only started to disburse in 2017, with the delays leaving troops on the field undersupplied.
• • Further, MNTJ’s response is large reactionary, as it does not address the root causes of the terrorist organisation. 
  • Nigeria has one of the most corrupt defence and security sectors in the world, according to Transparency International.
  • Decades of unchecked corruption have hollowed out the Nigerian military and security services and rendered them unable to effectively combat Boko Haram
  • Over a six-month period in late 2014 and early 2015, for example, former national security adviser Sambo Dasuki allegedly diverted $2 billion in security spending into private hands.
• • Additionally, the effectiveness of the military’s response is constrained by the continued human rights abuses perpetrated by Nigerian security forces.
  • Amnesty International reports how 7,000 men and boys have died in military custody fights with Boko Haram. 
  • The Nigerian army, reportedly (HRW) ‘are not very disciplined and are very abusive’, shooting suspected Boko Haram measures for revenge attacks on police and detaining young men without a trial.
• • Where the US has banned the sale of weapons to foreign forces accused of human right’s violations, this hinders the cooperative aspect to the crisis at hand. 
  • As well, the harsh operations of the task force and the government’s pitfalls have left people distrustful and reluctant to share information about Boko Haram.
• • ‘The MNJTF has made some progress in degrading Boko Haram's capabilities and territorial control, but the group remains resilient.’ - International Crisis Group