The World Was in Our Hands

While the Boko Haram conflict has reached a certain level of culturation saturation, what is known about the conflict remains patchy. This collection, featuring interviews with 47 people of all genders, ages and a variety of religious backgrounds, foregrounds the realities of those who are living through the conflict and presenting the humanity of all concerned. Even as they discuss the conflict, their narratives also reflect realities beyond violence, making this an essential cultural archive. From age hierarchies and the culture of deference to elders to high levels of gender inequality and gender-based violence; from frustrations with government to unhappiness at community leaders who are seen as corrupt, politicised, and uncaring; and from the links and connections between people across national boundaries to how people mobilise to support one another, often at great personal danger.