Since the December 25, 2009 alleged act of terrorism committed by Umar Farouk Abdul Muttalib, a senior Obama administration official said that Nigeria would be added to a list of “terrorism prone” nations of interest to US intelligence agencies which already include Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and Yemen.
This has caused a firestorm reaction by the Nigerian government. The Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe said that top Nigerian officials have had “critical” discussions with the American Ambassador Robin Sanders about removing their country from this designation. A spokesman for the Nigerian House of Representatives, Eseme Eyiboh said, “The earlier they de-list Nigeria on that list or rescind from the decision to put us on alert, the better for our diplomatic relations.”
The Nigerian government officials have numerous complaints of harassment of their citizens in American airports since this event occurred to such a degree that many Nigerians are afraid for their life. The officials continue to remind the American government that President Obama clearly admitted a failure on the system and manpower on the part of America, and can see no reason why their entire country should be punished.
President Obama previously stated that he would have an inclusive policy toward the African continent, and unlike his predecessors develop a proactive policy approach, instead of a “we’ll talk to you when we feel like it” approach. Yet since taking office almost one year ago, many African government officials have stated they have seen nothing change. This is a defining moment, not just for Obama, but Africa as a whole.
By placing Nigeria on this list, the Obama administration is sending a message that it cannot trust Nigeria and it is not mature enough to handle matters of international security with the sense of urgency required. Yet by allowing American based petroleum companies to dig for oil in Nigeria, the administration is concurrently saying that “we still need your black gold, but not your cooperation to take it.” The Nigerians and every other African country watching may say to themselves, “On one hand you feel we’re incompetent and want to dismiss our relevance, but on the other you feel our natural resources are still your right.” This will not only deepen the divide that has historically existed between many nations in Africa and an America that had supported and profited from its colonization, but the Nigerian government could choose to sever all diplomatic ties with America, to include the expulsion of American petroleum companies and bring a halt to their exploration. If this were to occur, the petroleum companies would not want to leave peacefully, and the history of the US desire for oil has set a precedent that it won’t. This has the potential to develop into a military conflict, which no country on the African continent trying to grow needs right now.
In addition to what has already been stated, the Obama administration should explain why they’re choosing to punish the nation of Nigeria for the alleged actions of one person, who did the exact same thing as the so called shoe bomber Richard Reid who came from the UK on a flight from Paris to Miami. The US government did not punish, nor create any hostilities with the UK government, they did not strain its diplomatic relations, they did not tell them how to handle international affairs after the US had admitted that the failure belonged entirely to them. So why when the Nigerian nation is in the same position as the UK was, are they being treated with such disregard? This is not the message that the first American president with strong ties to this continent and a self proclaimed appreciation for such should send.
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