THE ROLE OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN CURTAILING ASYMETRIC ARMED CONFLICT :BOKO HARAM IN PERSPECTIVE

This research examines the consequences and implications of the ongoing armed conflict involving Boko Haram insurgents on the one hand and State and state sponsored groups on other. It also examines the role the United Nations should play in combating and controlling the conflict. The purpose of this study is to provide an in-depth analysis of the character and nature of the conflict between the Nigerian government troops and the Boko Haram insurgents with a view to highlighting the role as well as the mechanisms that can be adopted by the United Nations in preventing, managing or controlling asymmetrical armed conflict. The research reveals that mechanisms available to the United Nations for combating asymmetric conflicts exist under the United Nations Charter 1945. However, their effective application and implementation are largely determined by political considerations. There is a general inclination towards activating those mechanisms to international asymmetric armed conflict than towards non-international asymmetric armed conflict which as has been the major source armed,conflict in this contemporary age. In view of findings and analysis, the research makes recommendations for improving the present legal situation.

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