Call for Boko Haram peace talks masks ethnic tensions

– Ethnic rivalry –

Kanuri dominance in Boko Haram sparked claims in the earlier stages of the violence that the uprising was a push for a homeland.

Few maintain that view since its leader Abubakar Shekau declared a caliphate in August 2014 and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group the following March.

Ethnic rivalry has, however, been seen as having contributed to the religiously inspired violence, adding another layer of complexity to the conflict.

“People despise Boko Haram for the death and destruction they cause,” said Abubakar Gamandi, the head of the Borno state fishermen’s union.

“But in terms of ethnic sentiments, some give tacit support to them when the victims are non-Kanuri.

“Many Kanuris feel Boko Haram are weakening their ethnic adversaries against whom they have been struggling for social, economic and political supremacy in Borno.”

The Kanuri mainly hold political power, while the ethnic Hausa control agriculture, fishing and trade, and the Fulani and Shuwa tribes dominate cattle herding.

Tensions pre-date Boko Haram. The Nigerian military has previously accused the Borno elders of hampering the counter-insurgency.

Gamandi suggested the scale of attacks has had a tribal dimension.

“They (Boko Haram) wrought more destruction and deaths on non-Kanuri towns and settlements populated by Hausa and Shuwa Arab than on Kanuris,” he said.

– ‘Sworn enemies’ –

The call for talks, at a time when the Nigerian military is out to destroy Boko Haram, is considered by some in the northeast as an attempt at Kanuri self-preservation.

The fear of losing a whole generation of Kanuri men, giving the upper hand to the Hausa, Fulani and Shuwa, could explain the recent surrender of Boko Haram fighters to the military.

“The elite have been encouraging them to surrender to the military through local community chiefs with promise they would ensure they are given soft landing and reintegrated into society,” said Gamandi.

Another potential complication for a lasting, long-term peace is local attitudes to the insurgents after so much bloodshed and hardship.

Abba Aji-Kalli, the Borno state coordinator of the CJTF, said his so-called vigilantes and the Islamists were “sworn enemies” and would remain so, whatever happens.

“We will never see eyeball to eyeball with Boko Haram. Nothing can change that,” he said.

An amnesty for repentant former insurgents “will never work” he added. “We know that because we very well know who they are. They lived among us, we grew up with most of them.”