A year has now passed since the publication of Julius Barnes' articles. The articles have been reprinted
Question:
A year has now passed since the publication of Julius Barnes' articles. The articles have been reprinted throughout the world and have caused tremendous controversy, including in Nigeria. There the book prompted fierce debate and ultimately violent clashes between Christians and Muslims. Nigeria's population of 158 million people is almost evenly split between Christians (49.3%) and Muslims (48.8%). Nigeria's Muslim president, Muhammadu Buhari, responded to the crisis by asserting that only by installing Sharia law could individuals be protected and the country be secure. In a recent speech he declared: "I will continue to show openly and inside me the total commitment to the Sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria." In a later speech he added: "God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of the Sharia in the country."
In addition to calling for Sharia law, Buhari has deployed Nigerian military forces to silence Christian protesters and side with Muslim citizens during the unrest. Hundreds of Christians have been imprisoned without charge. Such actions have not stopped the protests. Indeed, the result has been larger and more violent protests. Each day's news brings new stories of Nigerian military and police forces shooting protestors - and protestors using violence in response. In the past two months, officials estimate that 11,000 people have died in the violence. In addition, 25,000 Nigerians have fled the nation to Niger and Cameroon as refugees.
Niger and Cameroon are worried about the growing refugee crisis and that the violence will spread to their nations. Indeed, there have been intelligence reports that outside terrorist groups have begun supplying arms to the protestors. Niger and Cameroon have asked the United Nations Security Council to intervene in the crisis.
Question:May the Security Council intervene legally in this crisis? Should it?
