According several Borno sources, with Shekau out of the way, #ISWAP is embarking on a campaign of outreach to civilians in its areas of influence old & new, insisting that Shekau is dead, that they are ruling now, & that (Muslim) civilians will be safe as long as they pay zakat
In the Lake area, they have released civilians detained for a variety of offenses (bush burning, unauthorised grazing, etc). They have opened areas that they used to forbid for security reasons to civilians & removed a few officials known for being harsh on civilians.
And yes, in its areas of control, ISWAP had been detaining and fining herders for grazing on the fields of farmers. And they protect grazing areas from the enchroachment of farmers. And they protect herders from bandits and Shekau raiders.
Don't go think it is only something between Muslim herders from the north and Christian farmers in the south... It's a classic problem.
And yes, ISWAP is acting as a de facto state in the territories it controls, ensuring some sort of law and order. They have courts and detention systems.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
