North-South Divide in Nigeria Is Hiding a Humanitarian Crisis

Boko Haram has terrorized northeastern Nigeria for seven years, leaving almost 2 million people displaced and many communities impoverished. The country of 180 million is ethnically diverse. The humanitarian crisis that also stretches into Chad, Niger and Cameroon has prompted outrage around the globe. The crisis is less urgent for journalists and government leaders of Nigeria, largely based in the southern section of the country, explains Emmanuel Akinwotu for New Statesman. An economic recession and low oil prices complicate the government response, and a lack of press attention reduces political accountability. “Nigerian politicians ought to face tough questions over the lack of aid and supplies over the last several months to IDP camps in the north east of the country, but scarcely do,” he writes. “Allegations of corruption by camp officials accused of stealing food supplies have made the crisis even worse.” – YaleGlobal