The United Kingdom’s International Business Times, IBTimes, has disclosed that the government of Switzerland, the Red Cross and a Borno State-based lawyer negotiated the release of the twenty-one Chibok girls.
Recall that Boko Haram insurgents group yesterday released 21 out of the over 200 girls abducted from Chibok, Borno State two years ago.
However, the United Kingdom’s International Business Times on Thursday said the involvement of the Switzerland government was at the instance of the Nigerian Government.
It noted that the Switzerland in alliance with the International Red Cross Committee conducted the negotiation with the terrorists group.
Quoting the spokesperson of the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pierr- Alain Eltschinger, IBTimes, said, “At the request of the Nigerian government, Switzerland facilitated contacts between representatives of the Nigerian government and intermediaries of Boko Haram on the release of the Chibok girls.
“Switzerland’s engagement in this operation was guided by the principles of neutrality and non-interference. The role that the Nigerian government has asked Switzerland to play is fulfilled.
“Switzerland welcomes the release of 21 Chibok Girls and calls for the liberation of all the remaining girls as soon as possible.”
Confirming its participation in the negotiation process, the International Red Cross Committee said, “Today we transferred 21 of the Chibok girls and handed them to the Nigerian government authorities, as a neutral intermediary.
“We cannot provide any further comment at this stage in the best interest of the girls concerned.”
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