Source: Leadership
The kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls in northern Nigeria by Boko Haram insurgents is more than just an act of terrorism against the federal government; it is a direct attack on the right of women to an education, said Donald Kaberuka, President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Tunis. The kidnapping also puts the very future of the country in danger as school learners represent that future, he added.

Insecurity, violence and terrorism in Africa must be tackled on socio-economic and political levels, as well as through force. "We must use economic measures and political policy to ensure we do not have coalitions of permanent losers," said Kaberuka. "If you have such a situation, you have a very low threshold for violence."

Kaberuka added that he does not buy into the idea that insecurity on the continent is entirely an "African problem", as causes of militant groups are often imported from elsewhere. "I believe some of these fighters cannot even speak an African language," he said.

Fighting crime and terrorism must be multisectoral and inclusive, agreed Erastus J. O. Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson, African Union, Addis Ababa.

• Nigeria