[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 182 (Thursday, November 16, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S17199-S17200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE EXECUTION OF KEN SARO-WIWA

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, last Friday, amid the strong protests of the 
American and British Governments and countless human rights 
organizations, the Nigerian Government executed Ken Saro-Wiwa, a noted 
author, environmentalist and human rights activist, and eight of his 
colleagues. I must say that these executions represent a flagrant 
violation of human rights and I am outraged. These executions reflect 
the refusal of the brutal regime of General Abacha in Nigeria to abide 
by the most basic international norms. Moreover, such actions deserve a 
swift and harsh response from the U.S. Government.
  Since seizing power in a military coup in June 1993, General Abacha 
has systematically eliminated any perceived rival by intimidation, 
lifelong imprisonment and most appallingly, by means of execution. Mr. 
Saro-Wiwa and his eight colleagues now join the ranks of Nigerians whom 
the Abacha government has successfully silenced. Despite these brutal 
deaths, I am confident that the causes for which these leaders died 
cannot, nor will not, be destroyed.
  Ken Saro-Wiwa spent much of his life fighting against the military 
government and the rampant pollution of the land and water in his home, 
Ogoniland, caused by unregulated oil production. Threatened by his 
persistent and popular campaign, the Nigerian Government charged Ken 
Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues for the murder of four pro-government 
activists. The State Department and human rights groups report that Mr. 
Saro-Wiwa was nowhere near the murder scene and was denied a fair 
chance to defend himself. Further, there is evidence that witnesses 
were paid to testify against Mr. Saro-Wiwa. Topped with a military 
tribunal appointed to try the case, Ken Saro-Wiwa never had a chance.
  Mr. President, Nigeria is a critically important country for United 
States interests in Africa. Nigeria has made significant contributions 
in the course of regional and international affairs, such as its 
involvement in restoring peace in Liberia, in resolving the regional 
drug issue, and last year's commutation of the death sentence to life 
imprisonment for General Obasanjo and other alleged coup plotters.
  This latest action, however, undermines international and American 
confidence in General Abacha's announced transition to democracy. The 
impact of Nigeria's problems, inflicted primarily by the Abachan 
regime, threatens to extend throughout West Africa, harming the 
political and economic prospects of its neighbors. General Abacha's 
refusal to heed the calls of the international community, including 
those made from these chambers, 

[[Page S 17200]]
demonstrates his unwillingness to engage in quiet diplomacy. Humane 
principles and a commitment to democratic ideals compel us to respond 
forcefully to the Abachan regime. While the Clinton administration has 
called on the United Nations to consider an embargo on sales of 
military equipment to Nigeria, Congress should consider taking the lead 
in identifying and enacting strong measures that hurt the Abachan 
regime.
  Mr. President, I would like to conclude with reiterating my outrage 
at General Abacha and his regime's complete disregard for basic human 
rights and international legal standards. I believe that relations 
between our two countries cannot be normalized until the appalling 
abuse of human rights, especially toward the Ogoni people and their 
leaders, comes to an end.
  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Illinois.

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