The attacks over the weekend of March 8th in the Cabinda Province of Angola could be indictative of a new tactic. Oil-Rich Provinces are being targeted in their respective states to ensure that the western powers listen to their grievances. 

This attack by rebels in Angola comes in the same week that Henry Okah, the unofficial spokesman for MEND (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta), was extradited back to Nigeria from Angola. He now faces charges of treason and if convicted could face execution. The extradition also comes in the same week that MEND sent a letter to President Bush asking for his mediation in the crisis. 

Another country that was recently in Crisis is Chad. Insurgents reportedly armed and encouraged by Sudan launched an attempt to overthrow the government. Many observers felt that this was an attempt by Sudan to prevent the European Union from sending Peacekeepers to the Region. In recent years, Chad has discovered oil deposits in the country and now produces close to 800,000 barrels Anually. Instead of improving the infrastructure in the country, the government has chosen to procure arms. The country ships its oil to the Gulf of Guniea with a terminus in Cameroon. 

Oil-Rich Provinces are being targeted in their respective states to ensure that the western powers listen to their grievances.There have been riots recently in Cameroon as well. The motivation of the rioters in Cameroon is more political than oil related. The president is trying to amend the constitution in order to run for an additional term in office. There has also been a crackdown against independent media outlets and there will be ample reasons to monitor the situation as the election date draws near. 

The attacks in Cabinda have interesting timing, especially after a Peace Deal was signed in August 2006. Cabinda is the location of most oil drilling in Angola. So Luanda wants to ensure that it will remain part of the country despite the fact that there is no physical connection with the rest of the country.  

So what impact will these incidents have besides raising concerns about the supplies of oil on the international market and risking regional stability? In recent weeks Oil has topped more than $100 a barrell in trading. But there may be a platform for the United States to intervene if it is deemed necessary.  

Earlier this year the U.S. launched AFRICOM (African Command). One of the areas that the U.S. has major interest in is the Gulf of Guniea. This area, which is one of the most unstable parts of Africa, is also home to the majority of the oil production. Currently, one of the main missions of AFRICOM is protection of energy production locations. The region also happens to be where the U.S. is conducting most of its African Counter Terrorism Operations. 

It will be in the best interests of the United States and the West to ensure that the region is stable but the efforts should not be based entirely on oil. Those that are cynical will argue that the only reason for any form of intervention in the contient is for petroleum. Political stability has to be paramount for any effort to be successful. 

So what will be the next move by those who advocate democratic reforms? And more importantly, where do they want it and how will it be implemented? There are people that want change but no one is listening to them. 

The author of this story publishes Confused Eagle which can be found online at morganrights.tripod.com.