MEND extend ceasefire

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) announced an extension of its ceasefire that expired on September 15th. But MEND warned that the government must address their demands or attacks on oil installations and kidnapping of foreign oil workers will resume.

MEND issued a statement via email by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo:

"The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is extending its unilateral ceasefire, which expired midnight, September 15, 2009, by 30 days.

"MEND does not recognize an amnesty that has not made any provision for meaningful dialogue on the root issues that gave birth to the Niger Delta unrest in the first place.

"We have, therefore, resolved to continue fighting because the reasons for fighting has not yet been addressed.

"The government should use this extension of time to do the right thing instead of pretending to talk peace while arming the military for a war it cannot win.

"The oil and gas industry, which will bear the brunt of renewed hostilities, should not be deceived by the amnesty charade or the recent military hardware purchases as this is only leading to another cycle of violence".

Leadership

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