Gender based violence and non-state armed groups : the case of Boko Haram

Do the same dynamics hold for non-state actors as with state-based sexual violence, or are there differences? What are the implications? This study seeks to answer this question by drawing upon gender and conflict theories, and seeing how they suffice in illuminating the systematic SGBV by Boko Haram in the Nigerian civil war. Exploring this unfolding conflict will show how Boko Haram’s ideological and structural components shape their repertoire of violence. Moving forward, this paper will illustrate that Boko Haram’s diffuse and splintered structure does not restrain its strategic and widespread use of SGBV; however, because of the group’s extensive combat socialization methods and nation building objectives, SGBV remains a highly effective and systemic strategy. Examining the dominant gender and conflict theories pertaining to sexual violence will illuminate the dynamic, messy and brutal violence occurring within the Boko Haram.Arts, Faculty ofPolitical Science, Department ofGraduat