Nigerian pastor calls for proper engagement with radical Islam
By Fred Williams
France has declared war against Islamic extremism and terrorism. In my opinion, whether it is declared or not, the war on terror has already been raging in many countries across every continent on the globe.
Warped
Publicity-craving terrorists will employ every opportunity to be seen. Even the incredible show of unity - with millions gathered in France - could actually inadvertently inspire more terror attacks in Europe. Such is the warped mindset of the perpetrators of terror.
Re-think
The corrosive ideology of radical Islam necessitates a continual rethinking of the strategies to contain it. We may need to go beyond spontaneous emotional knee-jerk reactions to more sustainable initiatives, engaging the communities in which the ideology of radical and extreme Islam is nurtured.
I believe relationships that transcend the religious divide have to be built and nurtured carefully. We will have to capture their interest and eventually win their trust for them to allow us in. This bridge-building impetus will require a great deal of commitment and sacrifice from the facilitators due to the undeniable history of propaganda, distrust, fear, injustice and social imbalance.
Imbalance
We can catch a glimpse of this imbalance in the reporting and international response to recent terror attacks across the world. The disproportionate press coverage of the attacks in France compared to the almost muted outcry of the Baga attacks in Nigeria reveals a social malady of global proportions.
Disappointment
As a Nigerian, I am afraid my biggest disappointment is with us Nigerians in the diaspora, spread across international communities. We have not been able to garner a credible voice.
On the domestic scene, I am not sure what is more scandalous: the debate concerning the inflated figures of casualties in the Baga attacks or the dysfunction of politicising the killing of innocent people. It is simply heart-breaking to imagine the low value we have for a human life in Nigeria.
Surely the global community must see Boko Haram not just as a local or regional issue, but as a growing international threat; a horrible ideology spreading its tentacles across North and West Africa.
Awakening
Nigeria has been at war for many years but has, until most recently, been in denial. In the same way, those of us who have experienced the impact of radical Islam know that denial or appeasement is not the solution.
What happened in France is a rude awakening for all of us, especially those of us living in cities like London and Paris. As we awaken from the deep slumber of self-centred capitalism and the intoxicating stupor of individualism, may our eyes open to the real needs of our generation.
Fred Williams is a northern Nigerian film maker and video producer for Christian Concern, where he has experienced first-hand the effects of radical Islam. He now lives in London with his family and is a co-founder of Love Justice, a charity promoting justice and peace in Jos, Nigeria.
