Impunity Watch: Africa: Nigerian Rebel Groups Continue to Attack Chevron

By Jennifer M. Haralambides
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

NIGER DELTA, Nigeria - The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it attacked Chevron’s Okan manifold late on Sunday in the southern Delta state, just after it sabotaged an oil well operated by Shell Oil.

MEND militants have been attacking the Nigerian oil industry since 2006, and have recently launched four more attacks against the Nigerian oil industry over the last 10 days. On Sunday rebels blew up the “strategic Okan manifold.” The “manifold” is where the pipelines connect and it controls the flow of about 80 percent of Chevron’s offshore crude oil to its loading platform.

A source from MEND said, in an e-mailed statement, that they attacked the manifold and also seized a ship and six crewmembers, including three Russians, two Filipinos, and one Indian that they are holding until further notice.

“Their arrest is meant to serve as a warning to others that there are root issues that have to be resolved with the Nigerian government before normalcy can resume,” said Jomo Gbomo, a spokesman for MEND.

(Source: AFP)
These attacks are not only are detrimental to locals who risk injury in these areas, but also to global citizens who obtain oil from these sources. Because of the latest campaign of militant violence, Chevron and Shell have cut their output by around 273,000 barrels per day. This has resulted in pushing global oil prices higher, reaching an eight-month high.

In June, Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua said he would offer a 60-day amnesty to militants in order to end these attacks, which have prevented Nigeria from pumping over two-thirds of its capacity, costing it billions of dollars in lost revenue. Militant leaders indicated they would only be willing to accept the offer if they could negotiate specific terms.

MEND specifically asked for the release of its leader Henry Okah, who is currently on trial for gunrunning and treason. Okah is facing the death penalty and is in need of medical attention. Last week, President Yar’Adua ordered to extend the offer of amnesty to Okah, but has not made the announcement publically.

“The government should display the highest form of integrity and sincerity over the detention of Henry Okah at this point of his fading health,” said MEND. Since the attack, the group has urged other oil firms still operating in the Niger Delta to leave immediately, threatening new attacks.

(Source: BBC)