timeline of attempted negotiations
September 2011
Former president Obasanjo holds talks in Maiduguri with Boko Haram members, in which Shehu Sani is also involved. Boko Haram ceasefire conditions include an end to arrests and killings, compensation for
families of members killed by security forces, and prosecution of the police responsible for the death of Mohammed Yusuf.
March 2012
Boko Haram pulls out of indirect talks with the government. Dr Ibrahim Datti Ahmed, president of the National Supreme Council on Sharia, withdraws as mediator, pointing to a lack of sincerity on the part of the government.
June 2012
Another round of talks mediated by Islamic scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi halted owing to ‘sabotage’ by elements in government and ‘cold feet’ on the part of Boko Haram, according to media reports.
August 2012 Reports of secret negotiations in Saudi Arabia, led by vice-president Namadi Sambo. But Boko Haram spokesman Abu Muhammed claims these were with a ‘fake’ Boko Haram faction.
November 2012
Some alleged members of Boko Haram sets out five conditions for a ceasefire, including naming the mediators
for negotiations: Alhaji Shettima Ali Mongunu, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Ambassador Gaji Galtimari, Barrister Aisha Wakil (and her husband). Reuben Abati, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan, welcomes the offer as a positive development.
April 2013
The president sets up a 26-member committee headed by Special Duties Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki to explore the possibility of granting an amnesty to Boko Haram members. The committee’s report proposes an
Advisory Committee to take dialogue forward with amenable members.
July 2013
Claims by Minister Kabiru Turaki that a ceasefire agreement has been reached are refuted by Abubakar Shekau.
May 2014
The government considers but rejects the possibility of negotiating with Boko Haram for the return of the Chibok schoolgirls in exchange for the release of Boko Haram detained
Former president Obasanjo holds talks in Maiduguri with Boko Haram members, in which Shehu Sani is also involved. Boko Haram ceasefire conditions include an end to arrests and killings, compensation for
families of members killed by security forces, and prosecution of the police responsible for the death of Mohammed Yusuf.
March 2012
Boko Haram pulls out of indirect talks with the government. Dr Ibrahim Datti Ahmed, president of the National Supreme Council on Sharia, withdraws as mediator, pointing to a lack of sincerity on the part of the government.
June 2012
Another round of talks mediated by Islamic scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi halted owing to ‘sabotage’ by elements in government and ‘cold feet’ on the part of Boko Haram, according to media reports.
August 2012 Reports of secret negotiations in Saudi Arabia, led by vice-president Namadi Sambo. But Boko Haram spokesman Abu Muhammed claims these were with a ‘fake’ Boko Haram faction.
November 2012
Some alleged members of Boko Haram sets out five conditions for a ceasefire, including naming the mediators
for negotiations: Alhaji Shettima Ali Mongunu, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Ambassador Gaji Galtimari, Barrister Aisha Wakil (and her husband). Reuben Abati, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan, welcomes the offer as a positive development.
April 2013
The president sets up a 26-member committee headed by Special Duties Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki to explore the possibility of granting an amnesty to Boko Haram members. The committee’s report proposes an
Advisory Committee to take dialogue forward with amenable members.
July 2013
Claims by Minister Kabiru Turaki that a ceasefire agreement has been reached are refuted by Abubakar Shekau.
May 2014
The government considers but rejects the possibility of negotiating with Boko Haram for the return of the Chibok schoolgirls in exchange for the release of Boko Haram detained