posted 07-13-2001 10:05         

Looks like some of the Nigeria population needs a "hand". Are you listening Olusegun Obasanjo?

-Marcel

posted 07-15-2001 14:55         

i'd hope that some of their budget goes towards internal peacekeeping (e.g. thugs to keep the machete gangs at bay). if they were to pour all their resources into that, though, it would be like pissing on a forest fire. the number one cause, worldwide, of hacking each other with machetes is poverty and stupidity. at some point you have to turn your back to the fire for a minute and go get a hose.

just throwing government sponsered goons at the civilian goons doesn't strike at the root of the problem. and in the middle of the jungle it's not really possible, even under martial law, to keep order solely through force. there's just too many places for rebels and terrorists to hide. the best thing they can do is try to bring some education and industry into the country to give people a real incentive to live together civilly.

edit: poverty and stupidity are two causes, but they often go hand in hand. mentally edit that passage as you see fit.

posted 07-16-2001 05:56         

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no matter what nigeria does to better themselves they're going to have to deal with civil violence before they can make any progress.

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That's correct. There are dozens of factions in Nigeria who are quite literally tearing the country apart. This tends to undermine the stability and authority of any governmental structure. Without order, Adhesion to governmental mandate is at best fleeting. A “space program” requires long term continuity/commitment and needs to be driven from the top.
The current regime (Obasanjo) has turned has back on the general populations’ problems. I suggest he will not be in power for the long term. The new regime will be forced to deal with domestic issues before pie in the sky musings can be entertained.

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i'd hope that some of their budget goes towards internal peacekeeping. just throwing government sponsered goons at the civilian goons doesn't strike at the root of the problem.

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It is this very mentality that feeds the violence cycle. It’s disappointing that when one suggests “dealing with” social unrest the assumption is that the methodology will violent. Violence begets violence. I suggest that the government take (non violent) action (communicate, mediate, educate) to reduce the conflicts and bring unity to the country.

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at some point you have to turn your back to the fire for a minute and go get a hose.

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Once again we agree. Nigeria is in fire fighting mode. There are many SERIOUS issues to be dealt with: social unrest/violence, AIDS epidemic, poverty, lack of medical care...etc. A governments' first order of business should be the health/welfare of its citizens. To pour ANY money into a space program BEFORE the government has a firm grip on these issues is unconscionable. Some things in life must be done in a serial fashion, for example: first we crawl, then we walk, then we run, THEN we spend money on a space program.

posted 07-17-2001 12:43         

mediation is well and good, but when people have nothing to lose they don't give one damn about the government or its mediation. as of right now, violence may well be the only way to keep things under control long enough to do some good. in the end though, violence cannot stop violence, as you pointed out, and they are going to need to offer people something to get them to accept a federal civil order.

if nigeria's government can offer work and education to it's people they have a reason to work with the government towards a peaceful, stable country. when there simply isn't enough to go around there will always be those who turn to violence in desperation and frustration. nigeria needs more money to get anything going for itself and money just doesn't grow on trees.