AFRICA/NIGERIA - Nigerian President and rebel leaders meet; government willing to give 10% of oil profits to the region - is the Niger Delta conflict coming to an end?

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – President Umaru Yar'Adua of Nigeria recently met with Henry Okah, leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in his presidential palace, to discuss peace agreements.
Okah traveled to the Nigerian capital of Abuja on the presidential jet from South Africa, where he was undergoing several medical exams.
It is unclear whether the meeting was held in response to the threats from the MEND. A counselor of the President told the press that “Okah has had a very successful discussion with the President. The federal government has accepted dialogue with whomever could contribute to obtaining a lasting peace for the Niger Delta.”
In July 2009, the government offered amnesty with members of the MEND that put down their arms. In response, the MEND declared a 90-day ceasefire and began talks with the Yar-Adua Administration, There was also a mediation commission established, including Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka. Recently, several members of MEND have threatened to open fire once more, saying that the amnesty does not solve the real questions over the development and injustice suffered by the region's inhabitants. According to the government, nearly 8000 revells from various groups working in the Niger Delta have agreed to lay down their arms.
The Niger Delta is the main oil source in the country. Its inhabitants complain that they obtain no benefits from the oil profits. According to the “Financial Times,” the Nigerian government has decided to award 10% of the oil profits to the region itself, to appease its people and end the rebellion. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 20/10/2009)