The Wall Street Journal has a great article on where things stand in the Niger Delta. It’s about as comprehensive of a piece on the restive region as I’ve seen in a while, capturing all the complexities, contradictions and corruption. The story is pegged to an amnesty offer that is set to expire on Oct. 4. According to the article, “The most powerful militant leaders have yet to strike any deals with the government, but federal officials and rebels have indicated that an agreement may be close. This week, an umbrella group of militants extended a cease-fire, but warned of more attacks if its demands aren’t met.”
If I were a betting woman, I’d put my money on more attacks. The situation is so polluted (no pun intended) with corruption and criminality that a true deal is a pipe dream (ok, maybe puns are intended).
For more on the Niger Delta check out “Rebels in the Pipeline“:
September 21st, 2009 at 1:00 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Darren Foster and mauricio. mauricio said: Another great report from my fave TV channel (@current): RT @MarianaVZ Where things stand in the Niger Delta – http://is.gd/3vccJ [...]
October 1st, 2009 at 5:58 am
blogging this show tonite. it is a part of our continued coverage of the war in the delta.
Marianna, this is a wonderful piece and we commend you for spending two weeks to
get as much fact as is available. you are a wonderful asset to the human rights causes.
please feel free to come by to leave a comment on our blog in reference to our repost of your
video with our story.
again, we thank you for taking us into the delta on this perilous trip.