The Significance Role of Community Engagement and Soft Power in Countering Boko Haram in Sub-Saharan Africa

Nigeria has been in the headlines over the last two decades, subsequent to the terrorist attacks orchestrated by Boko Haram. The emergence of militant groups such as Boko Haram and the Movement of Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) has been connected to the distribution iniquities of resources and Nigeria's poor economic circumstances that have continued for nearly eight decades. As a result, the group has morphed into the most notorious and deadliest terrorist and militant group in Africa. Its violent attacks tremendously have a chilling effect on people living mainly in Nigeria and neighboring countries such as Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Boko Haram in Hausa means, “Western education is forbidden." That is its guiding principle and the motivation for its being and its activities. It perceives itself as a revivalist entity meant to restore the traditional structure, promote social change where needed, and purify society in terms of Islamic thought. Though mostly invisible on the world stage for many years, its heinous activities have become evident in the past decade. The group has gained immense sympathy in the region, appearing to mount political  challenges against corruption and social and economic inequalities. Security experts did not anticipate that the group  would become violent based on its past actions. However, researchers recently have revealed that the group has had transnational connections to other terrorist groups, such as Al-Shabaab in the Horn of Africa, and Al Qaeda, which have influenced its propensity for violence.