Countering Insurgency and Terrorism in Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Ghana and Nigeria

Abstract

The welter of radicalization and extremism across the globe in the new millennium is startling. Terrorist events in recent years have elicited international outrage, which appears to be altering the international security system. Terrorist-related assaults and deaths continue to shake Africa. Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, Fulani Militant, al-Qaeda, and other radical groups are still active on the continent. In particular, the activities of a more recent terrorist group, the Boko Haram in Nigeria, have sparked fear in most neighboring countries in West Africa. In Nigeria and Cameroon, Boko Haram has bombings, assassinations, and abductions. Their primary goal is to destabilize Nigeria's government, create an Islamic republic, and purge Nigeria of all Western impact. Boko Haram attacks are increasing in frequency and have caused casualties and damage in some parts of the Nigerian communities. Studies show that currently, West Africa is home to some terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, Ansaru, Ansa al-Dine, AQIM, MUJAO, and possibly other dormant cells. Although Ghana is yet to be attacked, recent incidents from neighboring countries, coupled with political vigilantism, civilian uprisings against some government policies, the formation of secessionist groups, and porous borders have informed leaders about taking proactive measures to prevent any impending attacks and also raise awareness among citizens. This study compares Ghana and Nigeria regarding their measures for combating insurgency and terrorist activities. It also touches on the nature, characteristics, and causes of insurgency and terrorism in Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana. The article examines the human security nexus in both countries, focusing on terrorism and radicalization and measures adopted by both countries to quell extremism. It takes a comparative approach to determine how each nation has approached its counterterrorism efforts. What accounts for the successes or failures of one country vis-à-vis the other? Relying on both empirical (in-depth interviews) and theoretical debates (existing literature and theory), this study provides insight into the dynamics of terrorism and counterterrorism measures in these nations. It establishes why Ghana's relative success over Nigeria. The findings suggest that both Ghana and Nigeria have experienced colonial-induced terrorism or extremist violence; while religious ideology has influenced the rise of extremism in Nigeria, Ghana’s case is different; Ghana’s relative political stability fosters effective counterterrorism efforts; the formation of a nondenominational national peace council has had an effective positive impact on de-radicalization processes in Ghana. While Nigeria has a long history of persistent political violence, secessionist operations, and colonial and religious motivated insurgency, Ghana has, since independence, suffered two major insurgent-like incidents. However, Ghana is also a victim of political violence often perpetuated by political vigilante groups; the difference, however, is that such groups have not engaged in typical terror attacks or called for any decisive secession of any part of the country. The article sets out to present an overview of the menace in Africa and zoom in on Nigeria and Ghana. It is followed by a critical review of the relevant literature to discuss the concept of terrorism, causes of terrorism, insurgency, and insurgency approaches. It is about establishing the most commonly accepted forms of terrorism and insurgency, which will aid in identifying how these forms of insurgency and terrorism have been taking place in Nigeria and Ghana. The analysis is sifted through the relative deprivation (RD) theory, shared within the terrain of social science discourse, and the pluralist theory, which suggests the inevitability of conflict in a "plural society.” The methodology, analysis, and summary of results followed. The final part focuses on the conclusion and recommendations. Based on the data and literature on the nature and causes of the phenomenon, the following specific recommendations are made: adequate and continuous sensitization, adequate investment in security services, especially the military and the police, development in rural areas, creation of employment opportunities, enhanced security at all borders. All stakeholders must realize that efforts to combat the menace are a shared responsibility, which calls for effective collaboration among all religious fronts and tribal and political divides. The existence of “truly,” nondenominational national bodies in Ghana should be well replicated by Nigeria. The involvement of non-state actors in the fight against terrorism and insurgency is inevitable.