Hopes of freedom for the 219 Chibok girls have been rekindled,
with preliminary talks between the Presidency and some Boko Haram leaders.
The new deal is being brokered by some confidants of the
Presidency and the sect.
Some key commanders of Boko Haram in detention are also eager to
be part of the initiative, The Nation learnt.
The new understanding came amid security reports that about 500
insurgents in a neighboring country are interested in renouncing terrorism
– in line with the reconciliatory agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.
But the President is being cautious in rushing at the new offer
from some leaders of the sect to avoid what a source described as the “costly
mistakes of the past administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Buhari has asked security agents to “screen or certify” those
spearheading the new negotiation to ensure that the government is dealing with
the right Boko Haram leaders.
Some Boko Haram leaders are believed to have been overwhelmed by
the President ‘s olive branch.
It was learnt that the President’s reconciliatory agenda made some
confidants of the sect to initiate a fresh negotiation between the Presidency
and some Boko Haram leaders.
It was gathered that at the preliminary level, a “cautious
understanding” has been struck by both parties.
Some mileage gained so far include the following:
- likely release of some Chibok girls to underscore the
readiness of Boko Haram for negotiation;
- involvement of some Boko Haram leaders, on whom the
United States Government placed ransom, in the peace deal; and
- commitment of the Buhari administration to the
negotiation.
A source, who spoke in confidence, 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.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “The President is
extremely cautious on this offer of negotiation.
- The Nation
Hmmmm,let them reach agreement not just to talk and provoke troubles.I wish them success.Brothers should hv started it earlier so that 1500 lives cld hv bn saved.
ReplyDeleteCan you negotiate with faceless group,who is Bokoharam and where is his headquarters,President should declare total war on them,they have caused alot of pains no need for such approach now
ReplyDelete