After the conflict with the Islamic extremist group reached a bleak and depressing low with the kidnapping of 267 girls in Chibok, France has committed itself to combating the group with military and diplomatic support. Even if the outcome of the battle against the extremist group still hangs in the balance, the growing involvement of external actors in the region is a good sign.
Diplomacy First
France, currently chairing the 15-member UN Security Council, has been a strong proponent of internationalizing the response to the conflict, championing a resolution that would facilitate regional and international powers to cooperate against Boko Haram. The resolution would not only call for an African force of 10,000 soldiers, but also for funding from international donors.
The proposed resolution not only provides a framework for a sustained regional military response, but it also includes mechanisms to prevent the financing and material support of Boko Haram. West African states have promised to provide intelligence on the financial backers of Boko Haram and to coordinate efforts to halt funds going to the organization.
Currently 3,000 French soldiers are stationed in Chad as part of the Barkhane Operation. The contingent’s stated mission is to assist in the battle against Al-Qaeda militants in the Western Sahara and Sahel areas. France’s Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is planning to increase this contingent to assist Chadian soldiers in the Lake Chad region, but these plans are is a clear indication that France is considering military options regarding Boko Haram. The Minister stated that “We do not intend to take part in the fighting,” but the French government has deployed 40 advisers to the Nigerian border region, participating in reconnaissance missions and information gathering.
Beginning in the summer of 2014, France convened an anti-terrorism summit focused on West Africa in Paris. There, President Francois Hollande took a lead role and pushed Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Niger, and Chad to take the first steps in their strategy of coordination and cooperation in their fight against Boko Haram. During the summit, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya boasted, “we are here to declare war with Boko Haram.”
This declaration not only signaled a new phase of cooperation among African allies, but also demonstrated that France could be successful in pushing the African nations to put aside historical differences.
These encouraging proclamations occurred despite France’s colonial history in the region. Paris has been sensitive to its complicated history with the region, ensuring that it treats its African allies as partners and equal stakeholders in the battle against Boko Haram.
“One of the features of France’s position is that it can help but it can’t usurp the Africans’ role. For a very long time, we’ve wanted the Africans to take control of their affairs when it comes to resolving conflicts. That’s what is happening with Boko Haram,” said France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Laurent Fabius.
The recent pledge of 8,700 troops to a proposed Pan-African force made by Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and Niger is a direct result of the Paris Summit.
But regional cooperation can sometimes be a poisoned gift. The paradox is that because of the regional offensive against Boko Haram, the incumbent Jonathan administration in Nigeria has come under heavy fire in the run up to the March 28 Presidential elections. General Muhammadu Buhari, the opposition’s main candidate, has blasted Jonathan for his inability to stifle the advance of Boko Haram and has promised instead to bring a swift end to the insurgency. He has mounted what is essentially a single-issue campaign and has bemoaned the shabby state of Nigeria’s military forces, scoring points.
Indeed, pre-election polls put them neck and neck. However, Buhari’s past tenure as head of state, after he mounted a military coup in the 80s, was characterized by an unparalleled curtailment of human rights and freedoms in Nigeria’s history. In a similar vein, the general argued then that ensuring the security of the nation required taking drastic measures and that “freedom of speech distracts the government”. Regional governments should be concerned by a Buhari win, since the aggressive and nationalist rhetoric of the general could easily lead to a break down in regional cooperation.
Nevertheless, in spite of diplomatic challenges, France has been able to regionalize the conflict and draw international attention to the extremist organization. In the coming months, France will continue to push for an international coalition of donors and combatant forces to expedite the destruction of the Boko Haram threat. It remains to be seen what awaits West Africa in their battle, but it is certain that France’s continued support will be crucial in realizing victory.
