Inside Story

Nigeria: Losing battle against Boko Haram?

Dozens of people killed in a shopping mall attack in the capital Abuja.    

At least 22 people have been killed during a bomb attack at a shopping mall in the Nigerian capital Abuja. It happened as Nigerians were preparing to watch their country’s Super Eagles play Argentina at the World Cup in Brazil.
 
This is the third explosion to hit Abuja in just a few months. The armed group Boko Haram claimed responisbilty for the previous attacks, but no one has come forward to take responsiblity for Wednesday’s attack.
 
Boko Haram has been carrying out attacks in Nigeria since 2009. Initially, the group chose government and military targets. But in recent years, it’s gone after civilians. In April, it abuducted some 200 schoolgirls from the northern state of Borno, which drew international condemnation.
 
But Nigeria is not alone. There are several armed groups active right across the African continent from Somalia to Mali.
 
So, what should governments do to stop the violence?
 
Presenter: Hazem Sika
 
Guests:
 
Shehu Sani: President of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria. Sani has mediated between the Nigerian government and Boko Haram.
 
Ayo Johnson: Director of View Point Africa.
 
Daniel Wagner: CEO of Country Risk Solutions.