Taming the Boko Haram Menace, Observing Human Rights: An Examination of the Dilemma of States in the Lake Chad Basin Region

Abstract

Heightened insecurity, widespread human displacement and gross destruction of critical infrastructure have become commonplace in states bordering on the Lake Chad Basin due to the Boko Haram insurgency. In searching for a lasting solution to tame the menace of the insurgency, the affected states, namely, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and the Niger Republic, are faced with the dilemma of seeking to defeat the insurgency on the one hand and protecting the human rights of persons in the insurgency-affected areas on the other hand. However, the problem goes beyond the dilemma conundrum. The roots are traceable to geographical, political and socio-economic factors that need to be addressed. This paper examines the said dilemma and identifies the factors that fuel the insecurity. It also explores the best ways of addressing the dilemma in order to fix the causative problems and stop or minimise loss of human life, reduce human displacements and restore peace and stability to the Lake Chad Basin region, while rebuilding critical socio-economic infrastructure for the communities in the epicentre of the insurgency.