Abuja — A Nigerian committee set up to
negotiate with insurgent group Boko Haram is calling for Islamic leaders
to help bridge the gap between the government and militants. But
Islamic leaders say Boko Haram violence is unfairly associated with the
Muslim religion.
On April 24, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan formally set his "Amnesty Committee" to work. Their job was to find a way to negotiate with Boko Haram, a militant group that has killed thousands since it began violent operations in 2009.
Less than three weeks later, the president said Boko Haram had captured territory and declared emergency rule in three northeastern states, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, and sent thousands of troops to fight the group.
At a conference in the northern city of Kaduna on Sunday, Amnesty Committee Chair Kabiru Tanimu Turaki said since then, committee members have met with local governments and traditional leaders.
They have also tried to encourage Boko Haram members to come forward by releasing women and children in jail for Boko Haram-related crimes.
Boko Haram, he said, has not been all that receptive.
"We are coming from the background where initially they said they do not want amnesty," he said. "They should be the ones to give amnesty. Again their chairman said they are not willing to enter into dialogue with any other person. We have to find a way of talking to them. We have to find a way of engaging them."
The way to engage Boko Haram, he said, could be through the clergy.
He called Boko Haram ideology, which includes a harsh interpretation of Islamic law, "misguided," but nevertheless related to Islam. Speaking to hundreds of Islamic leaders at the conference, he asked them to convince Boko Haram leaders that negotiations are necessary and in accordance with Islam.
"We are pleading with you in the interest of peace to call on these people. Let them give peace a chance. Let them allow for dialogue," he said.
Financial compensation
Turaki also responded to calls for financial compensation for Boko Haram victims, saying it is not going to happen.
On April 24, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan formally set his "Amnesty Committee" to work. Their job was to find a way to negotiate with Boko Haram, a militant group that has killed thousands since it began violent operations in 2009.
Less than three weeks later, the president said Boko Haram had captured territory and declared emergency rule in three northeastern states, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, and sent thousands of troops to fight the group.
At a conference in the northern city of Kaduna on Sunday, Amnesty Committee Chair Kabiru Tanimu Turaki said since then, committee members have met with local governments and traditional leaders.
They have also tried to encourage Boko Haram members to come forward by releasing women and children in jail for Boko Haram-related crimes.
Boko Haram, he said, has not been all that receptive.
"We are coming from the background where initially they said they do not want amnesty," he said. "They should be the ones to give amnesty. Again their chairman said they are not willing to enter into dialogue with any other person. We have to find a way of talking to them. We have to find a way of engaging them."
The way to engage Boko Haram, he said, could be through the clergy.
He called Boko Haram ideology, which includes a harsh interpretation of Islamic law, "misguided," but nevertheless related to Islam. Speaking to hundreds of Islamic leaders at the conference, he asked them to convince Boko Haram leaders that negotiations are necessary and in accordance with Islam.
"We are pleading with you in the interest of peace to call on these people. Let them give peace a chance. Let them allow for dialogue," he said.
Financial compensation
Turaki also responded to calls for financial compensation for Boko Haram victims, saying it is not going to happen.
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