RantCrush Top 5: January 18, 2017

In the fight against terrorist group Boko Haram, the Nigerian military accidentally bombed a refugee camp yesterday, killing at least 100 civilians. Among the dead were refugees and about 70 international aid workers from the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders (MSF.) “It is a little bit disturbing,” said Major General Leo Irabor. He confirmed that the missile intended for the terrorists had misfired, and also killed two soldiers. MSF provided medical help and condemned the attack on civilians, calling it shocking and unacceptable.

#Nigeria: @MSF strongly condemns the aerial bombing of a displaced persons camp in Rann. https://t.co/LG4dJpV9jH pic.twitter.com/MLMNGc7eoa

— MSF INDIA (@MSF_Ind) January 18, 2017

“Even if there is no evidence of a willful attack on the camp, which would be a war crime, the camp was bombed indiscriminately, violating international humanitarian law,” said Mausi Segun from Human Rights Watch. He added that the government can’t deny victims redress by calling the bombing an accident. One of the group’s terrorism researchers questioned how it was possible to misfire so drastically, pointing out that the refugee camp is clearly visible from the air.

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.