The Africa Fund
New York, New York, United States
June 8, 1998
1 page
The unexpected death of Nigerian dictator General Sani Abacha brings an end to the most brutal and corrupt tyrant in Nigeria’s history. Since his illegal seizer of power in November 1993, Abacha ruled through terror and torture, killing, jailing and exiling thousands of his fellow citizens, and impoverishing millions through wholesale corruption, crony capitalism and gross economic mismanagement. We urge the Nigerian army and the newly named military ruler, General Abdusalam Abubakar, to size this opportunity to repudiate Abacha’s repressive policies and step back from the brink of civil war and confrontation. Unambiguous U.S. support for democracy backed by economic sanctions...
The unexpected death of Nigerian dictator General Sani Abacha brings an end to the most brutal and corrupt tyrant in Nigeria’s history. Since his illegal seizer of power in November 1993, Abacha ruled through terror and torture, killing, jailing and exiling thousands of his fellow citizens, and impoverishing millions through wholesale corruption, crony capitalism and gross economic mismanagement. We urge the Nigerian army and the newly named military ruler, General Abdusalam Abubakar, to size this opportunity to repudiate Abacha’s repressive policies and step back from the brink of civil war and confrontation. Unambiguous U.S. support for democracy backed by economic sanctions can tip the balance decisively in favor of freedom, because the United States purchases nearly half of the oil exports that the military depend on for survival. But the Clinton Administration still refuses to use its economic leverage for democracy, pursuing instead a cynical “constructive engagement” policy which allows for continued military rule. There is no need for any further “transitions” to a democracy the never arrives, and no reason for another Presidential election while an elected president languishes in jail. What is required to resolve the current crisis is for General Abubakar to transfer power to the elected President and return his army to barracks. The press release says Contact: Michael Fleshman.
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Used by permission of Africa Action (successor to The Africa Fund).
