Rasheed Akinkuolie

By Rasheed Akinkuolie

The ongoing war in Borno State and in some parts of the North East of Nigeria is trending towards its tenth year.

This tragedy may go on for decades, if Boko Haram (Yusufia) )and the government should continue to hold their no dialogue, no peace positions. Experience worldwide has shown, that there is no military solution to an insurgency which is engendered by poverty, economic hardship, injustice, unemployment and sometimes foreign occupation.
This crisis must therefore, wily-nily be resolved by dialogue, rather than through an expensive, destructive and bloody military campaign. It is curious that the peace option is barely discussed, whereas it is within reach and ironically from unexpected quarters.

The barely publicized and sometimes derided activities of two women from Borno State, who have been been working hard behind the scenes to bring this insurgency to an end, may eventually hold the key to a peaceful resolution of this war.

Hajia Hamsatu Allamin, a Kanuri and Hajia Aisha Wakil (Mama Boko Haram), a lawyer who is married to a Kanuri Judge have been taking proactive measures to broker peace between the government and Boko Haram.

Hajia Hamsatu Allamin is the regional manager of Nigeria stability and reconciliation program (NSRD) and Zonal Coordinator, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) North East. Hajia Allamin had been to the United Nations and other international institutions to draw world attention to this war and solicit for a peaceful solution.

Her presentation at San Diego University, USA in 2016 revealed the graphic and shocking story behind the insurgency and the possible way out of the quagmire.

Hajia Aisha Wakil fondly called ‘Yayi Njuma’ ‘Beloved mother) or Umuh Hair (Mother of peace) and such endearing names by Boko Haram members is indicative of the high regard and respect the group have for her.

Hajia Wakil knew most of the now dreaded Boko Haram in their pre-teen and teenage years. She fed, clothed and cared for their simple needs. And it was these acts of empathy which made her relationship with Boko Haram deep, special and profound.

The two ladies have been instrumental to the release of several Boko Haram hostages, a feat which borders on the miraculous. They have distinguished themselves in their social works by providing for the poor and needy within their limited means in Borno State, even long before the outbreak of this insurgency .

These exemplary actions show that this crisis is essentially a human problem, which was preventable ab initio, if the social issues of poverty had been addressed at the appropriate time.
The activities of these great women are known internationally, but barely in Nigeria, or at least not known to the public; whereas their guidelines for peace, rather than the exertion of more lethal force is the best available option.

The Borno nation is not short of present and past dignified and powerful personalities such as ; Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the first Governor of Northern Nigeria, Alhaji Shetima Ali Monguno, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim, Alhaji Mai Deribe, Alhaji Muhammadu Goni, Alhaji Zannah Dipcharima, Alhaji Indimi, Alhaji Ali Kotoko, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, the COAS, The National Security Adviser, the Chief of Staff to the President.

These array of persons, some of who still weild enormous influence in government, in business and internationally should not be indifferent to the plight and privations of the ordinary Borno people, who cannot flee from their daily sufferings and calamities.

These influential people should openly support and complement the efforts of the two women in the quest to bring peace to the land of the ancient Kanuri people.

Hajia Allamin and Hajia Wakil have openly declared that Boko Haram is likely to be amenable and receptive to dialogue and negotiated settlement without pre-conditions. The release of hostages through their mediation gives credence to such optimism.

It should be reiterated that a military solution to this crisis is not feasible. The attitude of Boko Haram towards mortality is well known. They embrace death and are ready to kill and be killed, a stance which renders military operations ineffective, and consequently wear down morale and the will of the fighting force.

This war can end sooner than expected, if hard positions are softened to make way for direct negotiations. For now, nothing is known to the public about any peace initiatives by both parties.

In conclusion, the immediate objective now should be cessation of hostile activities, and a negotiated ceasefire without pre-conditions. This will create the necessary atmosphere for peaceful talks, and hopefully an eventual peace agreement.

Hajia Allamin and Hajia Wakil could form the arrow head of the peace team, as neutral moderators. Ambassador Kingibe and any serving or retired military or police officer from the North East with moderate views, may also be part of the negotiation team.

As a nation with great faith in the Almighty, we should continue to pray that the right and just decision will be taken at the appropriate time.

• Ambassador Akinkuolie Rasheed was Director of Trade and Investment in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. [email protected]