Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has once again called on the Federal Government to open peace negotiations with bandits, saying dialogue remains the surest path to lasting security in the country.
He made the appeal in a Facebook post on Monday, citing the recent truce between Israel and Hamas as an example of how dialogue can bring about peace even in seemingly intractable conflicts.
The recent deal between Israel and Hamas marks a diplomatic turning point in the World, with United President Donald Trump overseeing the deal.
Under the agreement, Israel has committed to a phased withdrawal and the release of Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas has freed Israeli hostages in exchange.
Gumi argued that if a government can negotiate with groups it once called “terrorists,” then it is not beyond Nigeria to open channels for dialogue with its own internal armed actors.
“Peace between Israel and Hamas they term as terrorists brokered by USA. Who said there is no peace with terrorists? Make peace with bandits and let us have peace,” he wrote.
The Kaduna-based cleric has consistently maintained that the government must engage with non-state armed actors to end the cycle of violence that has ravaged parts of the North for years.
About the Author
