Nigeria--Yet Another Problem - Political Forum

CHUQ · 04-18-2007, 05:50 AM

This is a situation to watch--it will become a major prob.

Armed members of a Nigerian Islamist group known as the Taleban have stormed a police station in the northern city of Kano, killing at least 13 people.

A police source told the BBC there were between 300 and 500 people, some of whom were heavily armed.

The army has been sent in and police have evacuated the area.

BBC NEWS | Africa | Islamists attack Nigeria police

CHUQ · 04-18-2007, 05:52 AM

Here is some background on Nigeria from the ICG

Nigeria’s democracy faces a crucial test. Presidential, parliamentary and state gubernatorial and assembly elections scheduled for 14 and 21 April 2007 are not a routine quadrennial ritual. Success would offer the country the first opportunity to achieve a genuine constitutional succession from one civilian administration to another since independence in 1960, thus consolidating democracy. Failure could provoke violent rejection of the results by wide sections of the populace, denial of legitimacy and authority to the new government, intensification of the insurgency in the Niger Delta and its possible extension to other areas, with potential for wider West African destabilisation. The preparatory phases have indicated failings in terms of basic fairness for the opposition, transparency and respect for the rule of law. Unless stakeholders make urgent efforts to rescue the credibility of the process, Nigeria’s already serious internal instability could be fatally aggravated.

International Crisis Group - Nigeriaâ€™s Elections: Avoiding a Political Cris

CHUQ · 04-24-2007, 04:54 AM

The elections did not go off as plan by the world.

Papers in Africa are disparaging about the elections held in Nigeria over the last two weekends.

One goes as far as describing them as the "gang-rape of democracy" while another refers to the "killing and rigging extravaganza".

One commentator appeals to Nigerians not to lose faith in democracy but there is concern that the recent state takeover of a broadcaster shows that the country is moving towards dictatorship.

BBC NEWS | Africa | Press condemns Nigerian elections

CHUQ · 04-24-2007, 04:56 AM

Will the election outcome turn violent?

KANO, Nigeria, April 22 — Nigeria’s troubled presidential election, which came under fire on Sunday from local and international observers and was rejected by two leading opposition candidates, represents a significant setback for democracy in sub-Saharan Africa at a time when voters in countries across the continent are becoming more disillusioned with the way democracy is practiced.

Mr. Adhama used to employ 330 workers in the 1980s, but now he has just 24 employees as he tries to restart his business. More Photos >

Analysts said the Nigerian vote was the starkest example of a worrying trend — even as African countries hold more elections, many of their citizens are steadily losing confidence in their democracies.

Africa’s Crisis of Democracy - New York Times

I realize this is not a very popular issue or not enought fluff for most, so I will wait until CNN or FOX makes it a lead story.

Brother Oz · 04-24-2007, 07:20 AM

Did the incumbent win?
I know he had done his two terms, and was trying to change the constitution to allow him to stay. I don't know if he succeeded.

presluc · 04-27-2007, 12:43 PM

In my opinion Democracy doesn't always work for all countries.

CHUQ · 04-28-2007, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by presluc

In my opinion Democracy doesn't always work for all countries.

I agree! Now if you can just get the rest of the US govt to agree. Patraeus seem to be suggesting that democracy is only an option in Iraq, so maybe someone else is listening and it can be appiled elsewhere.

Brother Oz · 04-28-2007, 07:09 AM

Quote:

In my opinion Democracy doesn't always work for all countries.

That may well be true... and yet that's the attitude that allows the West to support brutal dictators across the globe.

africanhope · 04-28-2007, 09:36 AM

I belive in democracy, but I also believe that Africa has to develop it's own form of democracvy. Foir instance many African countries used the infamous Westminster system after independence, and it failed misrably.

but just do not ask me what this unique African system is, I have no idea yet!

AH

presluc · 04-28-2007, 11:29 AM

Well, although I love my country "America" I would not suggest any contry to base their system of government on the U.S. at least not at the present time.
Cause right now it's really fucked up, Hell, some don't even know wether we are a democracy or a rebulic.
And all this wiretaping without a warrant financial records exposed without a warrant WELL?
If the people of Iraq knew what kind of government and leadership abilities that were coming they might have said "keep your purple fingers" and threw up a middle one