Ethnische Selbstbestimmung und Demokratie. Minoritätenvölker und Milizen im Nigerdelta

Abstract

Abstract

Ethnic Self-determination and Democracy. Minority Ethnic Groups and Militias in the Nigerdelta.

With the transition to democracy in 1999, ethnic and religious conflicts in Nigeria have escalated. In the Nigerdelta, representatives of the Ijaw, Ogoni and other minority peoples are calling for control over „their“ oil resources and for a greater share of the oil revenues. But they cannot attain these aims by operating through democratic institutions. Majority decisions in the national assembly will not bring a solution which the minorities would see as fair. So the Delta activists have resorted to violence, attacking oil installations in order to put pressure on the central government and on multinational oil companies. However, giving in to their demands and raising the share of oil revenues will not solve the problems. The six minority states in the Delta region have received billions of dollars in recent years, but the money has bypassed the people. Elected governors and local government chairmen have misappropriated most of it, as the local population cannot make use of the new democratic institutions to enforce accountability. As a way out, rebel leaders and their young followers are calling for a break with the Nigerian state and the establishment of ethnic republics. But ethnic autonomy will not empower the Delta population. Among local communities there are no common institutions which could ensure an equitable distribution of the oil resources. Where the central government has lost control, militias are fighting each other for a share of the booty.