Terrorism risk in northern Nigeria worries
(BRUSSELS2) During a hearing in the European Parliament, at the defense sub-committee, on November 29, the European coordinator for the fight against terrorism Gilles de Kerkhove made a point of stressing how much Europe should take an interest in the situation in the Sahel, between the management of the Libyan post-conflict, the development of AQIM and the appearance of a terrorist group in northern Nigeria, the risks are increasing. " the EU should be more present in this regionhe explained. The rise of the Boco Haram and their potential for recruitment and radicalization make “need to adapt the Sahel strategy he pointed out. If the 27 so decide, the "Sahel" mission should be " civilian, very light, and in northern Nigeria ».
The AQIM and Boco Haram risk
According to Gilles de Kerkhove, there are three challenges in the Sahel: 1. managing the consequences of the Libyan crisis, whether in terms of the proliferation of weapons of all calibers or the return of former combatants to their countries of origin, with the resulting imbalances. 2. the role of Aqmi: the branch of Al-Qaeda, born in Algeria, is becoming more African and taking root. " It assumes the role that was that of Hezbollah becoming a provider of social services where the state is absent.. It is diversifying and increasing its numbers, as well as its links with other terrorist organizations on the continent (Somali Al-Shabab and Boco Haram in Nigeria). 3. the Boco Haram, also known as the "taliban of africa", in northern Nigeria, sees their activity favored by the extreme porosity of the borders.
The dispatch of a CSDP mission requested by several MEPs
The need for a CSDP mission is shared by several MEPs from different sides. The Frenchman Arnaud Danjean (UMP / PPE) like the Portuguese Ana Gomes (Soc / S&D) each pleaded for the sending of a CSDP mission, considered as "an essential ” with the fear that not only certain Member States but also the structures of the European diplomatic service (EEAS) mark “ reluctance».
A reluctance which had already been indicated to us by certain diplomats and which was confirmed during this hearing. Ceriani Sebregondi, head of the West Africa division at the EEAS confirmed that the implementation of the "Sahel" strategy is well advanced in terms of the "development" component. On the other hand, for the "security" aspect (particularly the CSDP mission), the EU is " behind”.
