Fulani extremism

The Fulani are largely nomadic/semi-nomadic and live in the semi-arid climate of West Africa.[3] Due to population growth and desertification, Fulani nomads have to move south towards more fertile lands to graze their herds.[4][5] This created conflicts with the farmers.[3] This resulting violence left a death toll of over 10,000.[4]

This violence is also driven by cultural differences. The Fulani herdsmen are almost exclusively Muslim, while the farmers are almost all Christian. The attacks committed by Fulani extremists are claimed to be motivated by ethnic and religious cleansing.[6][7] Christian churches and communities have been a target of this terrorism.[6]

The first recorded terror attack by Fulani extremists was in December 2002. Most attacks came after 2010.[8] In both 2014 and 2016, over 150 attacks were committed by Fulani extremists.[1]

Nigeria experienced the most attacks. In 2018, approximately 1,930 Christians died from Fulani attacks there.[9]

These attacks are typically carried out with firearms, although bombs and kidnapping are also used. They mostly target private property followed by government buildings, businesses and religious institutions.[1] [10] [11] [12] [13]

Fulani extremism has had much influence in Mali. In 2012, the Malian government was overthrown by Amadou Sanogo.[14] Although tension between the Christian south and the Muslim north was already present, the coup weakened the country and allowed terrorism to rise.

Several Fulani extremist groups have risen in Mali. The Macina Liberation Front (FLM) formed in 2015, and committed 29 attacks with at least 129 casualties.[15] Another group is the National Alliance for the Protection of Fulani Identity and the Restoration of Justice (ANSIPRJ). This group carried out one attack in 2016 that killed 17 and injured 35.[16]

Malian Fulani extremist groups target state facilities rather than private property. A majority of the attacks are done with firearms.[15]

Efforts to reduce this conflict were aided by France, Mali's former colonizer, which sent military aid and assistance. The aid was largely to counter the rise in terror. The United States supported France in this effort.[17] The United Nations sent peacekeeping troops to Mali. However, the peacekeeping troops became a target.[18]

As of April 2019, fourteen attacks had occurred in the Central African Republic. The main target was private property. The weapon of choice is a firearm.[1]

As of April 2019, one attack had occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo.[1] On March 26, 2016, Fulani extremists attacked a military base in Ngaliema. The attackers injured a soldier but cost them three of their own men.[19]

In February 2020, Fulani extremists carried out the Ngarbuh massacre alongside Cameroonian soldiers.[2]