Nigeria: Between Communal Tensions and Foreign Strikes; Thai Boxing at the Crossroads of Tradition and Modernity

Nigeria - Ekhbary News Agency

Nigeria: Between Communal Tensions and Foreign Strikes; Thai Boxing at the Crossroads of Tradition and Modernity

RFI's 'Grand Reportage' this Saturday, February 14, 2026, plunges listeners into the heart of two complex and often misunderstood realities, revealing the profound dynamics at play in Nigeria and Thailand. These journalistic investigations highlight major sociopolitical and cultural issues, from endemic violence in Africa's most populous country to the transformations of an ancient martial art. They invite nuanced reflection, far from media simplifications, on contemporary challenges and societal evolution.

The first part of this exceptional supplement transports us to Nigeria, a nation of 220 million inhabitants, regularly rocked by inter-communal violence. While Western narratives often focus on a simplistic religious dichotomy, the reality on the ground, as revealed by the report from Liza Fabbian, RFI's special envoy, is far more labyrinthine. The night of December 25, 2025, was marked by an unprecedented event: American missiles, launched from the Gulf of Guinea, surprisingly struck the Sokoto and Kwara regions in the country's northwest. These strikes, whose targets remain 'poorly defined,' reignited tensions and raised crucial questions about foreign interference and Nigerian sovereignty. In the United States, lawmakers, amplifying allegations from figures like Donald Trump, have for months denounced alleged 'massacres' or even 'genocide' of Christians in Nigeria, exerting intense political pressure for intervention.

However, Liza Fabbian's analysis, based on her visit to Kaduna State, particularly affected by these endemic troubles, paints a much more complex picture. Violence in Nigeria is not solely the result of religious antagonisms. It is fueled by an explosive mix of socio-economic factors, land and pastoral conflicts exacerbated by climate change, organized crime, banditry, and the proliferation of non-state armed groups. Muslims and Christians alike indiscriminately suffer the torments of this daily insecurity, victims of kidnappings, extortions, and brutal attacks. The perception of a Christian 'genocide,' though relayed by certain political circles, masks a reality where all communities are caught in multi-factorial cycles of violence. Liza Fabbian's work, conducted in collaboration with Jacques Allix, offers an indispensable perspective for understanding the deep roots of this humanitarian and security crisis, beyond simplistic narratives.

In the second part, the 'Grand Reportage' invites us to a radical change of scenery, heading to Thailand, the birthplace of Thai boxing, or Muay Thai. This ancestral martial art, an emblematic combat sport of the Kingdom of Siam, is steeped in millennia of history and culture. Long reserved for men, with strict prohibitions such as the inscription 'Women, please do not touch the ring' that barred female combatants, Muay Thai is undergoing a silent revolution. Juliette Chaignon's report explores this fascinating transformation: more and more women are stepping into the ring, breaking centuries-old taboos and forging a legitimate place for themselves in this demanding sport. They are not just athletes; they are redefining cultural and social norms, proving that strength and discipline have no gender.

However, this expansion, which makes Thai boxing a lucrative and globally recognized industry, also raises delicate ethical and social questions. Juliette Chaignon, also speaking with Jacques Allix, highlights the controversial practice of enlisting young children. Attracted by the promise of glory or economic necessity, minors are sometimes exposed to intense training and fights from a very young age. This reality, deeply rooted in some regions of Thailand, is a major source of concern. The United Nations and numerous associations warn about the physical and psychological dangers this practice poses to children's development, calling for stricter regulation and better protection of minors' rights. The report explores the motivations behind this practice, the hopes it generates for disadvantaged families, but also the risks of exploitation and the moral dilemmas it creates.

These two 'Grand Reportages' from RFI's Saturday supplement offer a deep dive into crucial current affairs topics. Whether it's the complexity of conflicts in Nigeria, where simplistic narratives obscure multi-factorial realities, or the evolution of Thai boxing, between tradition, female emancipation, and ethical issues related to childhood, the program demonstrates the invaluable worth of rigorous investigative journalism. It reminds us of the importance of seeking nuance, confronting official discourses with realities on the ground, and giving a voice to those whose stories are often misunderstood or ignored.

Ekhbary News Agency