Nigeria has an important presidential election on 14 February, and it seems as if the inability of the current government of Goodluck Jonathan to control the radical group, Boko Haram, is going to be a critical issue in the election. President Jonathan is opposed by Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim leader from the north of Nigeria where Boko Haram is quite strong. It does not, however, appear as if Buhari has excited much of the Nigerian electorate.
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Thanks for the piece on Nigeria and Boko Haram. The 3 articles you reference are excellent. But I found the map is a little confusing; hard to tell the difference between ‘Reputedly controlled by Boko Haram’ or ‘Major attack this year.’ I agree with your conclusion. However from what I hear and read, voters are getting more and more disenchanted with Goodluck Jonathan, so the result may be as if Buhari excited them.
Have you read about the pact Kofi Annan negotiated with all candidates to keep the elections peaceful?
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I hadn’t heard about Kofi Annan’s role–good for him! Let’s hope the elections are peaceful.
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