Radical Movements Archive

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — Nigeria’s militants will keep a close eye on the upcoming presidential election but have no plans to disrupt them, according to a commander of one of the armed groups that in recent months have stepped up attacks on foreign oil installations in the petroleum-rich Niger Delta. The leader, known as “Commander Akoko,” said in a recent interview with World Politics Review that his gunmen, who number in the thousands, are “prepared to die” in their effort to force the Nigerian government to make good on promises to use oil wealth to improve infrastructure in the impoverished […]

KATMANDU, Nepal — With a mumbled oath and a round of handshakes in front of a writhing bank of cameras, it was done: The Maoists joined Nepal’s interim government, snaring five ministries. It was a moment of triumph for the former rebels and another step towards the mainstream for the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). The Maoist chairman, who is still known by his wartime alias “Prachanda” (“the fierce one”), stayed out of the government to lead the party, but was positively beaming as he made an appearance at the swearing in ceremony on April 1. “Today is the historical […]