Addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nigeria

Widespread violence has plagued Nigeria over the years, with an epicenter of activity in northeast parts of the country. Much of this violence is related to the Boko Haram insurgency, although other battles between ethnic groups have also intensified, largely over land and partly due to a growing drought. Despite some success by Nigerian security forces in tamping down violence, lives continue to be lost and communities displaced. All of this is ongoing as the country prepares to hold elections next year.

On March 26, the Foreign Policy program at Brookings hosted a discussion on the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria. Panelists included Alexandra Lamarche and Mark Yarnell of Refugees International, authors of the recent report “Political Pressure to Return: Putting Northeast Nigeria’s Displaced Citizens at Risk.” Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at Brookings, briefed the findings from her January fieldwork in northeastern Nigeria on the state of counterinsurgency, security, and reconstruction efforts. Brookings Senior Fellow Michael O’Hanlon moderated the conversation, while adding his own perspectives.

Following their conversation, panelists took audience questions.