THE ABSURDITY OF VIOLENCE IN ALBERT CAMUS' LES JUSTES AS A LENS FOR DECIPHERING BOKO HARAM'S IDEOLOGICAL PARADOXES

Abstract

Abstract

This paper critically investigates the inherent contradictions within the Boko Haram ideologies and practices. It utilised the philosophical framework of Albert Camus's dramatisation of revolutionary violence and moral conflicts experienced by  Russian terrorists in the early 20^th century. The study focuses on tyrannicide, and it provides a broad and profound framework for examining the justification, limits and consequences of violence in the pursuit of justice.  The article highlighted the inconsistencies between declared beliefs and real actions within extremist movements by contrasting the existential and moral quandaries that Camus' characters face with Boko Haram's radical interpretation of jihad and its violent campaign against Western education and democratic values. The study employs Russian Formalism and Maqasid al-Shariah (the higher objectives of Islamic law) concept to show how terrorist acts, particularly Boko Haram's acts, essentially violate the Islamic teachings and the values of justice they profess to support. The findings of this study reaffirmed the ridiculousness of using violence to achieve justice. The paper argues that just like in Les Justes, the reasoning behind violence destroys itself in its contradictions. The findings of this paper further demonstrate that the logic behind terroristic violence does not result in freedom or righteousness.