Maghreb Edition

Lack of Coordination and Panic Compromise the African Military Coalition Fighting Boko HaramF

Posted On 10 March 2015

Number of times this article was read : 682

Government Troops battling Boko Haram in West, Central Africa and in the Sahel appear poorly equipped and badly trained to deal with an aggressive insurgency. The disastrous bombing on February 17, 2015 of the Abalam village in the east of Niger by unidentified aircraft believed to be from Nigeria’s air force is an example of amateur work and poorly coordinated African armies. The bombing of Abalam, although likely accidental, led to 36 deaths and scores of wounded. The armies fighting Boko Haram are simply finding it difficult to work together and synchronize their capabilities, and the most affected countries of this scramble to degrade the terrorist organization are the ones situated around Lake Chad, namely Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Premium content article location: follow this link.  Not a subscriber? Follow this link to subscribe

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Morocco Faces Balancing Test Over Potential Gaza Security Role$

A reported plan for a Moroccan military outpost in Gaza is raising questions about Rabat’s regional strategy. While participation in a multinational stabilization force could be framed as humanitarian and security support, a visible troop presence inside an Israeli-controlled area risks political backlash at home and abroad. The proposal highlights the tension between Morocco’s ties to Israel and its longstanding positioning as a supporter of Palestinian interests.

Sudan’s Army Gains Ground in Kordofan as War Strains Power and Food Systems$

Sudan’s army is gaining ground in North Kordofan, securing key transport routes that could support a broader push west toward Darfur. But battlefield advances are unfolding alongside a deepening national crisis, with power grid failures, disrupted agriculture and local conflicts compounding the country’s instability. But this latest military momentum is unlikely to resolve Sudan’s widening humanitarian and infrastructure challenges.

Sahel: Niger Emerges as Key Battleground as JNIM and Islamic State Collide$

A defection, a blood feud, and overlapping territorial ambitions are pushing JNIM and the Islamic State Sahel Province into direct competition across western Niger. The outcome around the region of Dosso could determine whether Sahelian jihadist violence stays fragmented — or consolidates into a wider regional arc.

Written by The NAJ

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.