Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday made good on an idea he has been floating for a week: He formed a committee to explore amnesty for Boko Haram.
The government released a statement that the panel will “constructively engage key members of Boko Haram and define a comprehensive and workable framework for resolving the crisis of insecurity in the country.” That framework, according to Jonathan spokesma Reuben Abati, would include disarmament within 60 days, and the creation of a program to support victims of Boko Haram’s violence.
Unsurprisingly, the initiative has sparked great debate, as well as healthy opposition from Christian organisations. For its part, Boko Haram has rejected the idea. “On the contrary, it is we that should grant you pardon,” leader Abubakar Shekau is quoted as saying by AFP.