Nigeria: Boko Haram Reject Amnesty Deal

Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram has rejected the idea of an amnesty deal by the government that seeks to end violence that has claimed hundreds of lives in the country’s northern region.

In an audio announcement believed to be made by the group’s leader Abubakar Shekau, he said his group had done no wrong to be granted amnesty, adding that it was the Nigerian government that was committing atrocities against Muslims.

"Surprisingly, the Nigerian government is talking about granting us amnesty. What wrong have we done? On the contrary, it is we that should grant you [a] pardon," AFP news agency quotes him as saying in the Hausa language audio recording.

Rejection of the deal by Boko Haram leaders comes barely a week after the panel set up by President Goodluck Jonathan to view possibilities of an amnesty deal is yet to come up with its recommendations.

The committee which is composed of the country’s top security officials was surprisingly set up, following immense pressure on President Jonathan from leaders in northern Nigeria over the recent rise of insecurity in the region.

Earlier Jonathan had ruled out the idea of amnesty and dialogue, but the northern Nigeria leaders say that any use of force by the government would only worsen the situation.

Boko Haram claims that it is fighting for the creation of an Islamic state in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim north. It has staged violent campaigns targeting mostly security installations and Christians in northern and parts of central Nigeria since 2009, claiming over 2000 lives.

Recent rise in insurgent attacks in Nigeria has raised fear of the return of the reign by militant groups which some have laid down arms under an amnesty deal.

Earlier in the weekend a vessel ferrying more than 50 police officers was ambushed by suspected Gunmen in Nigeria’s southern oil-rich delta region, killing 12 policemen.

Militia group Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it would resume attacks after its leader, Henry Okah was jailed in South Africa.

MEND agreed to an amnesty deal in 2009 brokered by Jonathan, then vice-president that has since seen drastic reduction of violence in the region.

Bangui, Central African Republic

Situation in CAR Highly Volatile says UN Envoy

The political and security situation in Central African Republic is “highly volatile” compounding the “extremely dire” humanitarian situation, UN envoy to the rebel-held nation has said.

Margaret Vogt the UN envoy to CAR expressed a hostile state in the country, with looting and sexual violence on the rise, with armed groups recruiting children. She urged the international community to seek ways to improve security and support the political transition.

Vogt told reporters on Tuesday by audio-link after briefing the UN Security Council that the establishment of an inclusive Transitional Council was very important to help stabilise the country and “bring it [back] from the brink.”

"The political and security situation remains highly, highly volatile," Vogt stressed, adding that regional countries are seeking for security assistance from other African countries.

"The Seleka elements do not appear to be operating in a cohesive fashion," she added, and there are reports that child soldiers who were returned to their families are being re-recruited by some rebel factions along with others.

Rebel fighters under the Seleka alliance deposed President Francois Bozize on March 24, forcing him to exile in Congo, Libreville. Michel Djotodia, a rebel fighter who helped form Seleka has since declared himself president.

Last Wednesday a regional summit in neighbouring Chad called for the rebels to establish a transitional council which will lead the country in the next 18 months, within which democratic elections will be held.

South Africa which under a bilateral agreement with CAR had its forces stationed in the country has pulled out following the killing of its 13 soldiers during an ambush by the rebels.

President Bozize who came to power though a rebellion in 2003 was bungled out  late last month when rebel fighters overrun the capital Bangui, taking over the presidential palace by storm.

Bozize has since accused neighbouring chad of backing the rebels who overthrew his government, sentiments shared in recent report by the International Crisis Group which also cast doubt on the nature of relations between Chad and the rebels.

The mineral-rich CAR has seen several rebellions since its independence from France in 1960. The landlocked nation in the heart of Africa, with a 4.5 million population is considered among the poorest countries in the continent.