The conflict over energy resources in the Niger Delta

The fundamental characteristic of the current economic system is its continuous and increasing need for energy. A constantly increasing demand that, with a few limited exceptions, has been met for more than two centuries through the exploitation of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. These resources are distributed in a heterogeneous way on the planet, in such a way as to determine a close competition for the energetic control. In view of the precarious situation in the Middle East, major importers, especially for oil and natural gas, are focusing their investments in Africa: despite their relatively small size, African resources could play a strategic role in energy policy in the near future. Within the African context, the Gulf of Guinea is one of the richest areas of hydrocarbons. However, the largest producer in the area, Nigeria, is in a social and political situation on the verge of collapse, which has repeatedly resulted in military dictatorships and civil wars. At the crossroads and heart of these conflicts is the Niger Delta, the region in the south-east of the country where most of the hydrocarbons are located.