Is Peace With ISIS, Boko Haram Possible? Catholic Priest and Author of 'Charity Peace Model' Explains Why It Is (Interview)
The groups have not understood the ontological goodness of human beings which is the basis of a peaceful co-existence in the society. Violence is a sign of ignorance of this African philosophy of mmadi.
Hence there should be a universal orientation that tends to bring all humans back into the consciousness that they possess the nature of the good that is, (mmadi). Boko Haram's use of violence, especially against women and the weak, will never be a remedy for the achievement of dialogue and peace.
CP: How can Edeh's Charity Peace Model be applied to groups like Boko Haram or ISIS?
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Edeh: Edeh's Charity Peace Model can be applied to any conflict around the world due to its universal application. Edeh's Peace Model arises from the universality of mmadi, the good that is, which is the focal point of the model.
Every human, including members of any terror group is mmadi, who deserves the forgiveness of God. Although their mmadi has been distorted which resulted in their acts of violence, we know that violence is never a solution to this problem. What is needed is that they go through the process of re-orientation to who they truly are as mmadi.
CP: Can peace ever be possible with the members of such groups?
Edeh: In case of the terror groups in question, peace is really possible. Originally everyone was created as the good that is, mmadi, but terror distorts this goodness. I hope all can be involved in the alleviation of these dehumanizing situations that came about as the result of distortion. Mmadi has step by step practical ways of dealing with the problem (cf Peace in pieces: Empowering the world through the Edeh's Mmadi Peace Model, Page Publishers).
CP: If peace is possible, then who is responsible for reaching out to groups like Boko Haram or ISIS to start the conversation? What role do political leaders and religious leaders have to play?
Edeh: The quest for peace is a collective responsibility. Political and religious leaders must strive to pull down structures that breed terror and should work harder to alleviate the dehumanizing situations created by these groups. Then mmadi principle can be employed in the re-orientation process of recovering their mmadi.
CP: What is needed for peace around the world? How can regular people contribute to this goal?
Edeh: As a young man I saw many faces of women and children — like the victims of both Boko Haram and ISIS — at the displaced camps I worked in during the Nigerian-Biafra War. These experiences left a permanent impression on me. I then decided to get involved in the alleviation of these dehumanizing situations: I responded to the problem by moving to Elele neighborhood and built a conflict resolution center where the affected victims were able to be heard, validated, reconciled and then healed.
When people came to realize the effectiveness of this type of conflict resolution, they started bringing many different cases to be resolved in our center for Peace Justice and Reconciliation.
Regular people can contribute to this goal through practicing the philosophy of mmadi and making it a way of life and being able to volunteer in the re-orientation process. For example: promoting the philosophy of mmadi as the good that is, in school curriculums, colleges and universities, orientation conferences, workshops, workplaces, offices, among governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, companies and other walks of life.
