Financial Crime World

Niger’s Fight Against Terrorism Financing: A Critical Front in the War on Terror

In recent times, Niger has taken a significant step towards combating terrorism financing by sanctioning several individuals and entities suspected of supporting Boko Haram. This move is part of a larger strategy to disrupt the financial networks of terrorist groups like Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram.

Disrupting Terrorist Financing Networks

Disrupting the financial networks of ISWAP requires a robust approach that involves law enforcement and community participation. ISS research shows that ISWAP generates revenue by exploiting local economies, as well as through foreign support and organized crime. The group’s financial networks are extensive, with administrators, health workers, farmers, and other civilians expected to be financially supported.

  • Local Economies: ISWAP generates revenue from local economic activities such as farming and trade.
  • Foreign Support: The group receives financial support from external sources, including ISIS.
  • Organized Crime: ISWAP is involved in various criminal activities, such as extortion and kidnapping.

The Role of ISIS

Despite the convictions of six Nigerians for establishing a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to raise funds for the group in Nigeria, ISIS continues to fund ISWAP. This raises questions about why ISWAP needs additional resources from ISIS, particularly given its elaborate economic network.

  • Additional Resources: Perhaps extra funds are needed by ISWAP to recover from defeats by government forces or to fund aggressive expansion into other regions.
  • Defections: Former members who defected say the group is financially strong, with ISIS funding proposed by the global terror organization rather than requested by ISWAP.

The Impact on Civilians

Civilians in areas controlled by ISWAP have reported increased taxes and payments, leading to community frustration and defections. This highlights the need for Lake Chad Basin states to address the issue of terrorism financing to combat the threat posed by groups like ISWAP.

  • Increased Taxes: Civilians are being forced to pay higher taxes and fees to support ISWAP’s activities.
  • Community Frustration: The increased financial burden is causing frustration among civilians, leading to defections from the group.

Collaboration is Key

To effectively disrupt ISWAP’s finances, Lake Chad Basin states must be willing to collaborate and take a stand against terrorism financing. All four affected countries have ratified international agreements aimed at preventing and combating terrorism, including the African Union Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism.

  • International Agreements: The United Nations International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism provides an additional tool for collaboration.
  • Regional Organizations: Lake Chad Basin states belong to regional organizations working to combat terrorism financing.

Conclusion

Combating terrorism financing is a significant challenge, but it’s a winnable fight if Lake Chad Basin states are willing to work together and use the tools at their disposal. Niger’s recent sanctions against individuals and entities suspected of supporting Boko Haram is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to disrupt ISWAP’s financial networks.

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