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Boko Haram

A Just Peace Analysis and Paths Forward

Academic Journal Article by Mary Lilian Akhere Ehidiamhen, Sami Basha, Eli McCarthy & Maureen O’Connell in English (2024)
Journal of Interreligious Studies October 2024, Issue 43, 62–74

This essay offers a just peace analysis and some paths forward to transforming the conflict with Boko Haram in Nigeria. The first part describes the social context of Boko Haram and assesses some of the root causes. The second part identifies some of the existing practices to respond to Boko Haram and how some of these practices illuminate and actualize just peace norms. The third part offers a constructive contribution by exploring how a just peace framework might support existing local mechanisms and offer innovative approaches toward transforming this conflict. Some of these approaches include deeper interreligious relations, needs-based analysis, strategic nonviolent resistance, unarmed civilian protection, restorative justice, a more robust civil society, and economic justice.