Following a security reports that about 500 insurgents in a neighboring country are interested in renouncing terrorism – in line with the reconciliatory agenda , President Muhammadu Buhari, may have begun negotiations with a faction of the Islamist sect.
However, 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, the Nation said in a news report.
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.”