Nigeria
Political unrest from electionPosted Apr 21 2011
In a country divided by Muslims and Christians, Goodluck Jonathan, a Southern Christian, was elected as the new president of Nigeria on April 20, 2011. Violence erupted soon after as protestors rioted in Nigeria as reported by the BCC.
Riots are causing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. More than 200 are dead, and hundreds of arrests have been made.
The violence is linked to not only political unrest because of the new election results, but religious issues in the area as well. Muslims dominate the northern region of Nigeria, and Christians dominate the South. This split causes the presidency to often alternate between the two sides.
“Mr. Jonathan was declared winner of Saturday's presidential poll, with the electoral commission saying he received about 57 percent of the vote with 22.5 million votes to General Buhari's 12.2 million votes,” the BCC reported.
Riots broke out in Northern cities in Nigeria such as Kano and Kandu City.
According to the Global Post, the runner-up in the presidential race, General Muhammadu Buhari, claimed there were irregularities in the election because supporters in the South were not allowed to vote. Buhari insists the Northern party will challenge the result through the courts. However, Buhari has been talking to journalists and is urging protestors to remain calm.