Over the weekend in northern Nigeria, a woman carrying a baby detonated a bomb, killing them both and at least half a dozen others. This ended a brief period of relative peace in a region plagued by violence for over a decade. Two other female suicide bombers targeted different locations, killing at least 32 people and injuring many more.
The attacks in Borno State reflect the complex and deadly role women can play in terrorist groups like Boko Haram. These groups often use women as suicide bombers because they are seen as less valuable and can blend in more easily with civilian populations. Boko Haram, in particular, has a history of using young girls and women in suicide missions.
Experts believe that the involvement of women in these attacks demonstrates that terrorism in the region goes beyond influencing just young men, signaling a broader community-wide insurgency. The Sahel region has seen the rise of several Islamist organizations over the past decade, exacerbating the already existing violence and instability in the area.
Environmental degradation, economic struggles, and weak states have contributed to the growth of Islamist insurgency across national borders in the region. Despite efforts by both civilian and military regimes, handling the threats posed by these groups continues to be a challenge. Neighboring countries like Niger have also faced their own share of military coups in recent years, adding to the complex security situation in the region.
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