Senator John Kerry Makes Statement on Ongoing Violence in the Delta
Posted by jinn on May 23rd, 2009
Kerry Statement on Need to Protect Civilians in the Niger Delta
“The Niger Delta is home to massive oil reserves, but these resources have brought
Displaced women and children taking refuge at the relief camp at Ogbeh-Ijoh
more suffering than wealth to the people of the Delta through corruption, environmental destruction, and lack of development. Reports of growing civilian casualties and displacement in the latest clash between the government forces and armed groups are extremely disturbing. Civilian protection and humanitarian needs must be prioritized in the current offensive, and all parties to the conflict should engage in a process to bring an end to the widespread violence and criminality that have long plagued the region and to address the needs of the population.”