Nigerian Government Opens Up Talks with Islamic Sect Boko Haram

For the past few months Nigeria has been attacked with bombings all over the nation, especially in the northeast. Many of these attacks have been blamed by Boko Haram, an Islamic sect, whose name is translated into meaning “Western or non-Islamic education is a sin.” It is a three year-old anti-government movement that aims to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation. Active almost exclusively in the country's Muslim north, Boko Haram has initiated a bloody campaign since the election of President Jonathan in April.

Immediately after Jonathan's inauguration, 800 people were killed in violence in the northern states. Boko Haram mainly targets government officials and policemen in the city of Maiduguri, which the BBC recently described as "Nigeria's city of fear." Maiduguri is the capital of the Borno state. Its government has even stated that it will consider implementing Sharia Law to appease the insurgents.

 In an effort to combat attacks, President Goodluck has decided to open up talks with the sect. The government dialogues aim to find solutions on how to end the crisis, outlining potential negotiation points. The talks will also focus on the country's security forces, ensuring that the military and the state police act with "professionalism" when engaging with the rebel group. Last month, a military-police Joint Task Force (JTF) was accused of killing civilians and burning down houses in Maiduguri.