In June 2015, Africa Integrity examined Muhammadu Buhari’s first year as President of Nigeria, rising insecurity in the Niger Delta and the resurgence of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Central Africa.
The article on Buhari’s Presidency discussed his success in fulfilling his electoral promises regarding security, corruption and unemployment against the backdrop of Nigeria’s faltering economy. It appears that although Buhari’s government has made advances in certain areas, particularly the threat posed by Boko Haram, new problems have begun to arise, which could dramatically affect his popularity amongst the electorate.
The article on the Niger Delta provided an in depth examination of rising militancy in the Niger Delta over the past year. It seems that the Niger Delta Avengers has become a new voice of discontent in the region causing significant disruption to Nigeria’s oil supplies and even attempting to establish a connection with a re-emerging pro-Biafra movement in the South East of Nigeria.
The article on the LRA’s resurgence in Central Africa discussed the increase in the group’s activities in 2016. It appears that the LRA, which was previously viewed as largely inactive, has returned to the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Given the current political situations in these countries, it seems likely that the resurgence of the LRA will increase instability across the region.
Each of the articles can be found at the links below:
President Buhari: The Honeymoon is Over