Presidency, Boko Haram reportedly begin negotiations

by Godwin, N.I on July 27, 2015

There are reports that the presidency has started negotiations with Boko Haram. This comes a week after president Buhari told CNN's Christine Amanpour that his govt will negotiate with the terrorist sect for the release of Chibok girls if they are assured of the credibility of the leadership of the sect they will be negotiating with.

The Nation reports that some of President Buhari's confidants and leaders of the sect group are doing the negotiations.A source who spoke on the recent development said

“The President’s appeal for peace in the Northeast is yielding dividends because a fresh facilitation of talks between the Presidency and Boko Haram has started. This latest negotiation, which is at the preliminary stage, is being promoted by some mutual confidants of the Presidency and Boko Haram. The new deal may lead to the release of some Chibok girls to set the tone for a comprehensive negotiation by both sides. The President is extremely cautious on this offer of negotiation. Buhari has ordered security agencies to screen or certify those Boko Haram commanders interested in facilitating this latest negotiation to ensure that they are bonafide leaders of the sect. The position of the President is that why he is not averse to a peace deal, the Federal Government must avoid the costly mistakes of the past which led to a waste of time and huge resources. The President wants the release of the Chibok girls and quick restoration of peace to the Northeast; he is ready to negotiate with the right people for sustainable results.”

But there are strong indications that the leader of the sect, Imam Abubakar Shekau, is yet to be involved in the new deal.

"I think we are still at the preliminary stage. At the right time, there is a way the negotiation offer will be forwarded to their leader. But the fact that some Boko Haram commanders, whom US placed ransom upon, might be part of the negotiation shows that the crisis can be resolved, if all hands are on deck, “ another source said.