Peace plans falter for Nigeria oil region

With unrest in the Niger Delta cutting into oil output, the Nigerian government has made peace efforts a priority, but has little to show for its first year — and little chance of a quick breakthrough.

Its efforts suffered a major setback in recent days as the government’s choice of mediator was roundly rejected.

Ever since Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua came to power last year, his government has been promoting the idea of a grand peace summit bringing together federal officials, ethnic leaders and oil companies.

AFP