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Consequences and Impact of the Conflict

Economic:

The diversification of the economy of the Niger Delta has the potential to be one of the main solutions to the mounting violence in the same way as its lack is one of the main drivers of the conflict. The domination of oil politics has resulted in a disproportional focus of efforts to gain employment / be associated with this industry.

Social:

The scrabble for meagre hand outs from the oil economy has resulted in an internalisation and localisation of society. This allows politicians and militia leaders to manipulate local mistrust and misunderstanding and thus further reinforce the disenfranchisement of the Niger Delta society. Another worrying dynamics is the increasing fracturing of traditional society hierarchy as the disengaged youth become increasingly restless and challenge these traditional power structures.

Political:

Politics has continued to support patrimonial systems that relay on corruption and the monopoly of violence. This is the single most important issue that must be addressed in the long term if there is ever to be real peace in the Niger Delta. However, this will not be achieved through supporting top down reforms. There must be pressures from below to endorse the willing reforms and challenge those who oppose them.

Read the SDN report on the 2007 parliamentary and presidential elections (pdf 630k)