11
July 2012
Past Event
A Round Table Discussion on Nigeria'’s Boko Haram with Representatives of the Christian Nigerian Association

A Round Table Discussion on Nigeria'’s Boko Haram with Representatives of the Christian Nigerian Association

Past Event
Hudson Institute, Washington, D.C. Headquarters
July 11, 2012
Default Event Image
11
July 2012
Past Event

1015 15th Street, N.W., 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005

Speakers:
Nina Shea,

Hudson Senior Fellow and Director of Center for Religious Freedom

Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor,

President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and National President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

Reverend Oladimeji  P. Thompson,

Special Adviser to the CAN President on Conflict Resolution and Terrorism Matters

Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom hosted an informal briefing by representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria. Speakers focused on the political ascendancy of the violent terrorist group Boko Haram, the impact on Nigeria's religious minorities, and the group within its broader geopolitical and historical context. Last month, the U.S. Department of State named three top Boko Haram commanders as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists."

Jama'__atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad (Association of Sunnis for the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad)__, commonly known as "Boko Haram," has had a long history of carrying out violent terrorist attacks in Nigeria. The State Department reports:

"In the last 18 months, Boko Haram or associated militants have killed more than 1,000 people. Boko Haram is credited with the August 26, 2011 attack on the United Nations building in Abuja, that killed at least 23 people and wounded scores more. Boko Haram also claimed responsibility for the December 25, 2011 attack on the Saint Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, Nigeria, that killed at least 35 and wounded dozens more. Boko Haram's deadliest violence occurred on January 20, 2012 in Kano, Nigeria, with a series of attacks that killed more than 180 people. Boko Haram's victims have been overwhelmingly civilian."

Since its inception a decade ago, Boko Haram has clearly articulated its goals and ambitions to create an Islamist state in Nigeria. The Christian Association of Nigeria has gained critical insights into the structure, hierarchy, and operations of the group. 

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