By Jennifer M. Haralambides
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa
ABUJA, Nigeria – Formal peace talks began on Saturday between Nigeria’s main militant group and the country’s president for the first time since it declared an indefinite cease-fire last.
President Umaru Yar’Adua called the talks with the ex-chiefs of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) “frank and fruitful.” MEND is one of the main rebel groups in the oil region.
For over three years, militants have waged a violent campaign against facilities, saying they are fighting for a greater share of the oil wealth for the local communities.
Henry Okah et Farah Dagogo represented MEND at the talks. He said in a statement that the two hours of talks were “frank, cordial and useful.”
“This meeting heralds the beginning of serious, meaningful dialogue between MEND and the Nigerian government to deal with and resolve root issues that have long been swept under the carpet,” read Okah’s statement.
Wole Soyinka, Nigerian writer and Nobel Literature price winner also attended the talks.
This past June President Yar’Adua offered amnesty to rebels who surrendered their arms. Even though MEND did not take initially did not take part in the amnesty, it declared an indefinite ceasefire in October to allow these peace talks to proceed. Since the the main field commanders and thousands of gunmen agreed to the ceasefire, MEND has been severely weakened.
The government has proposed a massive infrastructure development program for the impoverished region. Boy Loaf, a former top rebel commander, says development of the Niger Delta should start from the creeks or rebels will have an excuse to continue their attacks.
Activists warn that the former fighters could return to the creeks and resume the attacks if these talks do not quickly lead to changes in the oil-rich region.
“They should start the development from that creek because the creek is the only hideout for our people . . . [S]o that the people can have a sense of belonging,” said Bay loaf.
The rebel activities in the Niger Delta reduced Nigeria’s oil output by almost one third, from 2.6 million barrels a day in 2006 to around 1.7 million barrels.
For more information, please see:
AFP – Nigerian President in “Fruitful” Oil Rebel Talks – 15 November 2009
AP – Nigeria Militants Start Peace Talks with President – 15 November 2009
Reuters – Nigerian Militants Say Peace Talks Start with Govt – 15 November 2009
Telegraph – Niger Delta Peace Talks Raise Hopes of Oil Boost and an End to Kidnappings – 15 November 2009
VOA – Nigerian President Holds Talks with Rebel Group – 15 November 2009
