From the Loss of Identity to the Martyrization of Peasants in the Boko Haram Era: A Study Based on the Displaced Peasants of Mora in Mayo-Sava

Abstract

The outbreak of terrorism in the Lake Chad basin results from the various social, economic and security changes observed. Boko Haram has infiltrated this sub-region and is spreading terror in the main border areas. Gradually, a net depopulation due to the massive mobility of populations was noticed. This study focuses on the direct effects of the expansion of terrorism by Boko Haram on internally displaced peasants who are the main victims. It therefore relies on displaced people from the Mayo-Sava department in the Far North of Cameroon; in a context of belonging to a group in which an individual is identified by his own habits and customs. Thus, this research tries to solve the following hypothesis: the attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram in the border areas of Cameroon, lead to a loss of identity of the peasants who in reality are full victims of the crisis generated by Boko Haram. To verify this hypothesis, random surveys were carried out with a representative sample of 300 people, all displaced from the department. In addition, interviews with target persons were carried out. Thus, it appears that peasants confronted with Boko Haram are losing their identity. Uprooted from their origins in the quest for security, adapting to a new social living environment is still not favorable to them. This rupture represents this loss of identity.