station and this Saturday, launched a cowardly attack on a secondary school in which over 30 students and staff were massacred. Below is an excerpt from the Boko Haram plea report: The leadership of Jama’atu Ahlul Sunnah Lih Da’awa Wal Jihad (JAS) more commonly known as Boko Haram is announcing a ceasefire across all states of Nigeria according to a press statement released by the organization. JAS leadership is also nominating five people to enter peace discussions with the Federal Government: Abu Liman Ibrahim Abu Zamira Mohammed Abu Adam Maisandari Kassim Imam Biu Mallam Modu Damaturu NVS is working to get an official reaction to this statement. This announcement follows back channel discussions that have been secretly conducted with the Boko Haram leadership for more than two years, after a series of failed military approach. May/June 2013: Recent peace discussions has led to drop in Violence In mid May 2013 the Federal Government requested a single route for dialogue with JAS. Shekau responded with a video statement nominating Abu Zamira Mohammed as his sole authorised route for dialogue with the Government. This was accepted by the Federal Government who similarly established a single route but did not make this known publicly. Through Zamira Shekau and the JAS leadership group agreed to a ceasefire if women held by the military were released. The recent release of women held by the Nigeria military without charges was authorised by President Jonathan. This was a major breakthrough in establishing goodwill between Boko Haram and the Federal Government. Subsequently on 19 June 2013 Shekau sent a message with an emissary nominating five people, including Abu Zamira Mohammed, to participate in peace dialogue and sign a peace agreement. Two of the five were well known to the Government. This group was authorised to conduct further discussions and issue a statement regarding a ceasefire. As a result of subsequent discussion, on 26 June 2013 the leadership of Boko Haram authorised the release of a statement declaring a ceasefire for 60 days effective immediately. The statement noted that during the ceasefire period meetings will take place between JAS and the Federal Government of Nigeria to agree and sign a Peace Accord. There has been a noticeable drop in assassinations and suicide bombings during the recent peace discussions. Government yet to respond While the Federal Government of Nigeria is yet to respond publicly to the JAS ceasefire statement it is understood there has been tacit agreement between JAS and the Government to proceed with peace discussions. The JAS leadership has since been consulting all commanders to assure compliance with the ceasefire.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 19:38:23 +0000
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