Delta Update

Shell is now using armed escorts to check equipment before resuming full oil production in Ogoni despite continuing repression by Shell-backed Nigerian soldiers.

The Ogoni 19 hostages lost their recent appeal and are still held in appalling conditions. Shell has been keeping the dirt out of the press by taking journalists on pleasant ‘Shell trips’ but still had to drop its complaint to Channel 4 about being in cohorts with the regime. It has also now admitted paying the military. The company is being sued by the family of Ken Saro-Wiwa over the company’s ‘knowledge, consent and/or support’ of the executions, and their part in a conspiracy to violently and ruthlessly suppress any opposition to [Shell’s] conduct in Ogoni and the Niger Delta. Powerful oil workers’ unions note that Shell ‘could easily become the target of very serious political action’ in the future.

In the UK over thirty pickets of Shell garages happened at the end of last year, including a 29 hour lock on to a Shell tanker in Newcastle. As well as this most of Slovakia’s Shell garages were hit and other actions and rallies of up to 400 people happened around the world.

In Ogoni thousands of troops flooded the area, and there were random arrests, torture and killings. On Ogoni Day, 80,000 people demonstrated but the army raided 19 communities, tortured over 20 people, and opened fire into crowds. Acting President of MOSOP Ledum Mitee called on activists to step up the pressure on Shell. Winning the Ogoni issue is key for all activists fighting for environmental rights. Issue two of DELTA has been distributed internationally, including in the Niger Delta itself. If you have ideas for future issues or if you are interested in a national Ogoni strategy meeting in March contact DELTA on: 0116 255 3223.