Leiden University Student Repository

Beijer, Maaike (2021)

The Decision of Rebels in West Africa to resort to Sub-National Terrorism against Civilians

Master thesis | International Relations (MA)

Regional acts of terrorism remain a significant problem for the countries of West Africa. This thesis seeks to explain the reasons for rebel movements to resort to such sub-national terrorism. By basing its theoretical framework on the academic literature explaining violence against civilians, this thesis explores the phenomenon of sub-national terrorism. The rebel movements of Boko Haram, the Movement of Democratic Forces in the Casamance (MFDC) and the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) are discussed. By giving meaning to the use of violence against civilians across West Africa, this work aims to discover what exactly leads rebel organizations towards employing methods of sub-national terrorism.

Terrorism

Sub-National Terrorism

Regionalism

West-Africa

Rebel Organizations

Violence

Violence against Civilians

Marginalization

Author

Beijer, Maaike

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Global Conflict in the Modern Era

Supervisors

Dr. Eelco van der Maat

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en