The Federal Government has been advised to reassess its approach to ongoing campaigns against militants in the Niger-Delta, Boko Haram sect and other social conflict groups in the country and adopt new measures.
The Switzerland Ambassador to Nigeria, Eric Mayoraz and Director, Africa Programme, International Crisis Group (ICG), Dr. Comfort Ero, gave the advice at the launch of a report titled: “Exploiting disorder: al-Qaeda and the Islamic state,” put together by ICG.
Speaking at the event held in Abuja on Friday, by the Swiss Ambassador stressed the need for states to realize that violent extremism is often fueled by political exclusion and social marginalization.
“We are convinced of the necessity to engage in peace promotion and human security activities in most inclusive way possible. Solutions to conflicts must be rooted in inclusive political processes, based on the rule of law and respect for universal human rights,” Mayoraz said.
He said his country was currently working in about 40 conflicts zones globally, including Nigeria, where it is supporting peace building efforts and promoting constructive engagement through dialogue, mediation and other systematic preventive measures aimed at directly addressing grievances and root cause of violent extremism.
Dr. Ero, while presenting the report, said it formed part of ICG’s new project on “violent extremism and modern conflict,” which focuses on understanding the diverse movements involved in conflicts extremism and developing smarter policy options.