- The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has threatened to end its 60-day cease-fire tomorrow, while talks on government's offer of amnesty also don't seem to be reaching a conclusion.
A spokesman for MEND, Jomo Gbomo, said in an emailed statement he would not say when the attacks would resume, but this time around they “will be carried out with utmost zeal.”
MEND, had declared a ceasefire in mid-July following the release of Henry Okah, but has continually rejected the amnesty offer saying the deal does not guarantee its political demands.
The group, which is the main militant group in the delta has claimed it was seeking the greater share for the people of the Niger Delta in the oil rewards and returns. The group has also distanced itself from others said to be carrying out attacks make money and for other criminally motivated reasons.
While main militant groups have not yet taken up the amnesty offer set to expire on 4 October, the Nigerian government has also said it would not move or extend the deadline.
President Umaru Yar'Adua had in June this year offered amnesty to all armed groups in the region as a way of trying to bring stability and boost the country's oil production to capacity.
The offer was however criticised by some groups as just lip service and with no guarantees.
Attacks on the oil industry in Negeria have cut down the country's capacity by more than a quarter since 2006, while also forcing and chasing out investors and possible new investments into the industry. Further decline in Nigeria's production has also seen the country drop its position as Africa's top producer to new entrants Angola.
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afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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