Kolej Tuanku Jaafar Model United Nations 2011 | I Annual Session

Security Council

Prepared by Audrey Ser

Kolej Tuanku Jaafar Model United Nations 2011 | I Annual Session

Forum Issue Student Officer Position

: Security Council : Growing Ethnic Tensions in Nigeria : James Yap and Audrey Ser : Chair of Security Council

___________________________________________________________________ Security Council Chapter V of the Charter of the United Nations 1945 (UN Charter) gives effect to the existence of the Security Council. Article 23 of the UN Charter enumerates the composition of the Security Council whereby it is to consist of 15 members of the United Nations. The Republic of China, France, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (The Russian Federation), the United Kingdom and the United States of America are the permanent members of the Security Council; often referred to as the P-5 nations. The General Assembly will elect 10 other members of the United Nations to be non-permanent members for a term of 2 years. Article 24 provides for the functions and powers of the United Nations. It is the Security Councils primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. In discharging these duties, the Security Council shall act in accordance with the Purposes and Principles of Chapter I of the UN Charter. Introduction The Federal Republic of Nigeria (Nigeria) gained independence in 1960; following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999. It is the most populous country in Africa as well as the biggest oil exporter in the continent. However, the government continues to face the unnerving task of reforming a petroleum-based economy since the nations revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement. The country is being torn apart by ethnic, religious and tribal conflicts. Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since its independence, but the rule of democracy does not

Kolej Tuanku Jaafar Model United Nations 2011 | I Annual Session

extend

far

beyond

the

borders

of

the

capital.

Nigeria is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; with the most politically influential being Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5% and Tiv 2.5%. Although less publicized, the internal position of Nigeria is deeply wavering due to ethnic tensions. The growing ethnic tensions in Nigeria are not only caused by the different ethnicities but also of different religions (comprising of Muslim 50%, Christian 40% and Indigenous beliefs 10%). Over the past few years, thousands of people have been killed in ethnic clashes. Behind these conflicts, lie the interests of the elite in each state.

Ethnic tensions in Nigeria have in the past caused secessionist statehood the Republic of Biafra was a secessionist state in south-eastern Nigeria that existed from 1967 1979. Nigeria is a progressing African nation as well as an oil-rich country; hence, it is of utmost urgency that foreseeable civil wars and secessionist statehood be prevented. Rebels have threatened international companies and an outbreak of violence is. The Security Council must frame a resolution in aim to prevent the further destabilisation of Nigeria. Definition of Key Terms Ethnic Tensions refers to feelings and acts of prejudice and hostility towards an ethnic group in various degrees. It equates to ethnic hatred and racial hatred. Ethnic tensions and hatred if not curbed, would result in ethnic conflicts. In some cases such as the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan, ethnic tensions may lead to secessionist statehood. In some societies, it is caused by tribalism while some others are caused by a history of non-peaceful co-existence and the resulting actual disputed issues. Ethnic tensions have often been exploited and even fuelled by politicians to serve their agenda of seeking to consolidate a nation or gain electorate. Recent history has shown that international crises such as the fuelling of ethnic tensions are used to manipulate domestic politics.

Kolej Tuanku Jaafar Model United Nations 2011 | I Annual Session

Background Bosnia and Herzegovina became a well-known example of a multi-ethnic nation that faced ethnic tensions leading to various conflicts. Nigeria would be no different if its growing ethnic tensions are not controlled. The underlying instability can be found in the 1950s when the British colonial rulers divided the country into three regions eastern, western and northern. The political power was consequently divided between the three regions, hence leading to a relatively high fragmentation of the federation. The size, number of inhabitants as well as access to the dynamic urban centers differentiated the three regions. All three territories were dominated by different tribes; namely the tribe of Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo. The three different tribes worshipped different religion and had an uneven wealth distribution.

Kolej Tuanku Jaafar Model United Nations 2011 | I Annual Session

Post-Independence The northern region ruled by the tribe of Hausa-Fulani (Northerners) and the Nigerian Peoples Congress (NPC) was poor and traditionally Muslim. The tribe of Igbo (Easterners); best educated, mostly middle-class and customarily of Christian faith dominated the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). The Yoruba (Westerners) lead the wealthiest western region that largely dominated the opposition, the comparatively liberal Action Group (AG). Hence, the cultural and political differences of the three ethnicities were sharp. Nigerian-Biafran War In 1966, the perceived corruption of the electoral and political process had led to several back-to-back military coups. The sequence of events comprising of politician murders had led to an increase in ethnic tension and violence. The violence against the Igbo increased their desire for autonomy and protection from the militarys wrath. Hence, in 1967, the Eastern Region had declared itself an independent state called the Republic of Biafra under the leadership of Lt Colonel Emeka Ojukwa in line with the peoples wishes. The secession led by the Igbo people was primarily due to economic, ethnic, cultural and religious tensions among the various peoples of Nigeria. The Republic of Biafra was reabsorbed into Nigeria in 1970 since it did not gain recognition, particularly constitutive recognition in international law and that a ceasefire between the two was made. Violence between Christians and Muslims (usually Igbo Christians and Hausa or Fulani Muslims) has been incessant since the end of the civil war in 1970. Military Era In the 1970s, Nigeria had joined the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) due to its oil boom generated by production in the oil-rich Niger Delta. The northern military clique benefited from the oil boom to the detriment of the Nigerian people and economy. Since the oil revenues were not equally distributed amongst the federated states, ethnic tensions had yet again sparked even more. Religious

Kolej Tuanku Jaafar Model United Nations 2011 | I Annual Session

tensions were also inflamed in the nation, particularly by the southerners as Ibrahim Babangida, self-declared President in 1990 had enrolled Nigeria in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Recent History Nigeria re-achieved democracy in 1999 after almost 33 years of military rule. Olusegun Obasanjo, the former military head of state was the new President of Nigeria in 1999 and again in 2003. Although his presidency was condemned as unfree and unfair, Nigeria has shown significant improvements in attempts to tackle government corruption and to speed up development. Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) served as Nigerias president till 16 April 2011, when a new presidential election in Nigeria was conducted. Goodluck Jonathan was yet again declared the winner of the presidential election in 19 April 2011.

Kolej Tuanku Jaafar Model United Nations 2011 | I Annual Session

Questions to Consider Ethnic violence over the oil producing Niger Delta region and inadequate infrastructures are some of the current issues in the country. The ethnic and religious composition of the country is a highly volatile and dangerous mix. Half of the population is Muslim and strict sharia law applies in the North. In the South, Christianity dominates. These issues remain a limited source of tension during the election period but are always near the surface in Nigeria and could easily burst open. Although politicians strive to bridge the gap and suggest that the state is unified and ethnic division has been reduced, the rule of national law barely extends beyond Abuja, the capital city and Lagos, the commercial centre. Tribal and religious customary laws are still applicable in respective ethnic divisions in Nigeria. The working class of Nigeria as a possible means of curbing ethnic tensions and foreseeable barbaric bloodbaths due to ethnic tensions. Is self-determination by ethnic divisions a viable resolution to the issue if no means of restraining ethnic tensions civil war can be done? Peaceful means to curb growing ethnic tensions in Nigeria

Kolej Tuanku Jaafar Model United Nations 2011 | I Annual Session

Bibliography and Further Reading

1. Adele, Bamgbose J.; Oloruntele, Amos. Ethnic Agitation and Conflicts in Nigeria, 19992000 Development Policy Management Network Bulletin Vol. XIII, N.3. September 2001. pp. 35-36 2. Augenbraun, Eliene; Feld, Karl; Guest, Iain; Merril, Susan. Reconciling Ethnic Conflicts: A Case Study of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia Center for Development Information and Evaluation U.S. Agency for International Development. March 1999 3. Central Intelligence Agency. Nigeria The World Factbook. 26 May 2011. 4. Doyle, Mark. Kenya strokes tribalism debate BBC News. 4 January 2008 5. Evans, Tom. Nigerian violence fed by ethnic, economic issues, ex-president says CNN World. 10 March 2010 6. Herskovits, J. Nigerias Rigged Democracy Foreign Affairs. 2007. 86 (4), pp. 115-130 7. Herskovits, J. Nigeria. The Next 10 Years Foreign Affairs. 2009. 88 (3), pp. 1-10 8. Ilievski, Zoran; Wolff, Stefan. Ethnic Conflict Regulation as Institutional Design: The Case of the Western Balkans 9. Mason, Barry. Ethnic conflict escalates in Nigeria World Socialist Web Site. 17 August 1999 10. Mustapha, Abdul Raufu. Ethnic Minority Groups in Nigeria Current Situation and Major Problems Nigerian Muse: That the World May Know. 5 December 2010 11. Photius Coutsoukis. Nigeria ETHNICITY 27 March 2005 12. Pocha, Jehangir. Using Ethnic Hatred to Meet Political Ends Philadelphia Inquirer. 7 June 2002. 13. Sotiropoulou, Angeliki. The role of ethnicity in ethnic conflicts: The case of Yugoslavia 14. The Charter of the United Nations 1945 15. Ukiwo, Ukoha. On the Study of Ethnicity in Nigeria CRISE: Centre for Research on Inequality, Human Security and Ethnicity. June 2005 Working Paper No. 12 16. U.S. Library of Congress Ethnic Relations Countrystudies.US 17. V.P. Gagnon, Jr. Ethnic Conflict as Demobilizer: The Case of Serbia ITHACA College, New York. 20 October 1999. 18. Walker, Maxton. Kyrgyzstan: the scars of ethnic conflict run deep Guardian.co.uk. 10 June 2011. 19. Workers Alternative. Ethnic conflicts in Nigeria Only the working class can offer a way out In Defence of Marxism. 17 July 2002 20. Xan, Rice. Ivory Coast: 100 more bodies found as ethnic tensions rise Guardian.co.uk. 8 April 2011