Nigeria: Frustration Grows in Niger Delta

Signs that the tenuous, relative calm in Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta could be in jeopardy have manifested in recent days. On July 31, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), an umbrella group of elders, monarchs, and other local stakeholders led by Chief Edwin Clark, issued a threat to the federal government declaring that it would pull out of its negotiations with Abuja by Nov. 1 should the government fail to properly address the group's 16-point agenda. At the same time, Niger Delta militant groups have also issued statements over the past few days claiming that they will resume attacks against oil and natural gas infrastructure in the region. In light of perceived failings by Abuja to demonstrate its seriousness to improve conditions in the region, groups such as the Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders and the Adaka Boro Avengers have threatened to attack infrastructure starting on Sept. 31 and Oct. 1, respectively.