If Boko Haram could sit with ex-Nigerian President, why should we not negotiate with bandits?- Gumi

In a recent interview reported by The Nation, Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, spoke about his controversial negotiations with bandits, his experiences during visits to their camps, the Nigerian economy, President Bola Tinubu’s reforms and the 2027 general elections.

When asked what the Quran says about negotiating with armed groups, Gumi explained that the holy book teaches that people should embrace peace when their enemies show a willingness to make peace and put their trust in Allah, even when they fear that the other party might be attempting to deceive them.

He argued that people who had previously engaged in violence should not automatically be denied the opportunity to make peace if they genuinely came forward expressing a desire to end the violence.

Further talking, he said, “If Boko Haram leaders could sit down with a former Nigerian President to discuss peace, why should we consider it impossible to negotiate with other armed groups?”

He said further said that the country must be prepared to negotiate with bandits, reintegrate those among them who qualify for reintegration and continue engaging with them.

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