CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background to the study

To understand this, it would be important to consider the presence of radical Islamic movements in the history of the Far North region, but above all the existence of extreme poverty and a feeling of marginalization in these areas. Just as in Nigeria, those joining Boko Haram are those with the least to lose.

In the Far North region, where Boko Haram is most active, more than half of the population is poor, 76 percent are illiterate and the industrial sector is extremely underdeveloped. The catastrophic effects of the current climate of insecurity on the economy, and the displacement of approximately 81,000 people, only serve to exacerbate these problems.

Boko Haram has exploited this poverty, as well as a range of social cleavages to recruit youngsters. Cameroon has looked on anxiously as populations in neighbouring Nigeria suffered attack after attack by Boko Haram. At least 6.800 civilians were murdered, 2.000 kidnapped and 1.2 million forced to flee their homes in north east Nigeria since 2013   including over 56.000 refugees now hosted on Cameroonian soil.

Per evidence collected by Amnesty International, this includes over 1,200 people extra-judicially executed, 7,000 people dying in inhumane prison conditions, and over 20,000 people arbitrarily arrested.  In line with the global obligation of states to fulfill, protect and respect the human rights of its citizens, the Cameroon government responded to the Boko Haram threat by seeking to mobilize the population behind a war effort, and behind the President of the Republic, who has framed his country’s struggle as one of good versus evil.“The reality is simple.

On one side, there are our forces, defenders of a modern and tolerant society that guarantees the exercise of human rights, including that of religion, as well as representative democracy. On the other side, namely Boko Haram and similar movements, there are partisans of an obscurantist and tyrannical society which has no consideration for human dignity.” This led to the immediate reaction of the Cameroon government militarily, administratively as well as legislatively

1.2 Statement of the problem

Terrorism had existed for centuries and remains a nightmare and challenge to world peace. Despite numerous conventions, it still persists

There is no universally accepted definition for the concept of terrorism. This makes combatting difficult since what some see as terrorism others may see as mere crimes and other will see terrorist as freedom fighters.

Terrorism is a grave human rights violation and countering it seems to give rise to the more human rights violation.

1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 Main Research Question

What is the place of human rights in fighting terrorism?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

1. Is there any consensus over the concept of terrorism?
2. What is the relationship between terrorism and Human rights?
3. What is the fate of human rights in the fight against terrorism?
4. What are the possible recommendations?

1.4Objective of the study

The objective of the study is placed under the main objective and specific objectives.

1.4.1 Main Objective

The aim of this research is to critically examine the place of human rights in countering terrorism in Cameroon

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

1. To examine the concept of Terrorism
2. To evaluate the relationship between human rights and terrorism
3. To critically analyze the fate of human rights in the fight against terrorism
4. To make policy recommendations