Elon University’s African Society educates campus on abduction of women and children by Boko Haram

Muhammad Musah of the Elon African Society speaks to Elon students about abductions in Nigeria last April (Photo: Morgan Abate)

By Morgan Abate 

The Elon African Society (EAS) hosted a College Coffee event on Tuesday morning to bring awareness back to the Nigerian girls who had been abducted by Boko Haram in April.

“Last year, we held an event that covered what was going on with our girls,” said Muhammad Musah, a member of EAS. “We want to tell people that this injustice is happening, and girls are still being subjugated to slavery.”

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Who are Boko Haram? 

• Formed in 2002 
• Name means “Western education is forbidden” 
• Started their insurgency in 2009
• Have kidnapped 500 women and children since the insurgency began
• Thousands have been killed since 2009
• Declared a terrorist group by the United States in 2013

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The Elon African Society has continued their campaign from last semester to educate students about African issues (Photo: Morgan Abate)

Nigeria’s chief of defense  staff told the public on Oct. 17 that the government had agreed to a truce with Boko Haram, the active Islamic militant group in northern Nigeria, and that more than 200 girls who had been kidnapped in April would be released within a week. 

But the girls have not been released.

EAS wants to continue the conversation around the kidnappings in Nigeria because of the university’s commitment to global issues, but also because they do not want the campus to forget.

“The “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign started back in May,” said junior Kelly Fawcett who has lived in several countries on the African continent. “We covered it then, and we want to bring it back this semester. We want to keep things relevant.” 

EAS will continue its conversations about Boko Haram, politics in Nigeria and the international response at 6 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 29, in The Oak House. 

Local response to U.S.-led coalition to destroy ISIS without Congressional approval

By Morgan Abate

Several Elon University faculty and staff responded to the recent bombings the Obama administration and Middle East allies conducted early Tuesday morning against ISIS in Syria without approval from Congress. 

“The president can initiate military operations on his own,” said Sean Giovanello, associate professor of political science. “Under the authority of the constitution, he has the ability to initiate these airstrikes.”

After the attacks on 9/11, the United States Congress authorized strikes on al-Qaida in the Middle East through the War Powers Resolution. The resolution allowed the president to target those responsible for planning and carrying out the attacks on America. Now, President Obama has expanded that authorization to include the bombing of ISIS targets, particularly in Raqqa, Syria, which has been the stronghold of ISIS for more than a year.

According to Giovanello, the administration has argued that ISIS and other groups are offshoots of al-Qaida; therefore, the president can still act using the resolution from 2001. 

Academic Provost Steven House (right) and Associate Provost Maurice Levesque (left) agree with the president’s use of force, especially since Congress and the president are not getting along right now.

“It’s a weird conundrum,” he said. “The Obama administration has spent a long time saying they want to get rid of the War Powers Resolution, but now they’re using it to justify their actions.”

Academic Provost Steven House agreed with the airstrikes on ISIS, but any further action will require more dialogue. 

“I think the president has convinced a lot of people and has gained enough support from other countries,” he said. “But boots on the ground is a more dramatic step, and it requires more formal approval.” 

But lawmakers in Congress have spoken out, saying Obama cannot make these decisions without Congressional approval. 

Gionvanello said the criticism was bound to happen, and will come mostly from Republicans and some Democrats. But, he pointed out, if the president were a Republican, the same people criticizing Obama would be supporting him.

President Obama will be addressing the United Nations Security Council today about the threat of foreign fighters. 

Elon students receive tips to staying safe after theft at Sheridan Place

By Morgan Abate 

Elon students reported a break in at Sheridan Place late Tuesday night.

An iPad, keys to a car and a 2008 Honda Civic were stolen from an unlocked apartment between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to Smith Jackson.

“Elon Town Police responded immediately and are continuing the investigation,” he said.

According to the 2012 Annual Fire Crime and Fire Report, Elon has had a number of burglaries, none of which saw disciplinary action. According to this report, Elon has not had any carjackings since 2010.

Jackson reminded all students to call 911 immediately if they feel unsafe or suspect suspicious behavior.

“Calling 911 yields the fastest response,” he said.

Jackson sent out general safety tips for students in an email:

• Keep doors and windows to your residence locked
• Walk in pairs
• Keep in contact with the people you will be with
• Use the Danieley tram
• Be aware of your surroundings

Contact information for students:

• Campus Security 336.278.5555
• E-Rides 336.278.5555
• SafeRides 336.278.7433