Boko Haram: Can we negotiate when they remain in hiding?

The hazards of appeasement

Appeasement by its nature entails not only conciliatory concessions but also accepting even non-negotiable demands. Therein lies the danger. Adolf Hitler of Germany taught the world the bitter lessons about the inherent dangers of appeasement.

Parties to the Munich Treaty of 1938 gullibly believed that the Fuhrer meant his words. Their eyes opened with the invasion of Poland and other terroritories in breach of the Munich Treaty.

The late British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and other signatories to the Treaty on the Allied side were left looking stupid because their incredible concessions didn’t stop Hitler’s aggression.

Can negotiation with Boko Haram make any sense when we don’t know their leaders? We all knew Jerry Adams  the leader of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army(IRA). He was visible throughtout the period of negotiation and they accepted  de-commissioning or weapons surrender.

Today, peace has been restored and IRA is virtually fading out of our memories. Can we negotiate reasonably after Boko Haram leaders rejected past overtures to surrender their arms and walk away?

Can we negotiate when they remain in hiding?

Which is the authentic Boko so that we can know where to start?

Are their conditions for peace a sign of good faith?

Boko Haram gave conditions which include compensation for the destruction of their mosques, houses, and unconditional release of their members in custody.

Can we put a figure on the number of public and private property willfully destroyed by the violent sect?

Can also we put a figure on the number of innocent lives destroyed by their campaign of terror?

With these tough conditions, does it mean Boko Haram are not accountable for their deliberate atrocities?

They want to eat their cake and have it! I appreciate Prof Wole Soyinka’s concern about appeasement.

If former Niger Delta militants could out to surrender their arms and embrace peace, what stops Boko Haram members from doing so?

If truly they are inspired by religious “duty” how would they account for the ocean of blood that trails their indiscrimate violent campaign before God?

–Mohammed Zagga/Our reporter