This weekly update spotlights political violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on the risk of violence in the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election in Bayelsa State. Elections in the State are high stake affairs, often characterized by violence. According to data (see map above), over 80 incidents of election violence and more than 35 fatalities were reported in the State between September 2019 and September 2023. Ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship election, political tension has intensified with several reported incidents of violent clashes and inciting statements by political actors. In August 2023, for instance, a man was reportedly killed and many others injured in a series of clashes involving gunmen, security forces, and supporters of political parties in Opu-Nembe town, Nembe LGA. In October, supporters of two major political parties allegedly clashed at campaign rallies in Brass Island and Twon Brass communities, Brass LGA. Recently, on October 30, 2023, the deputy governorship candidate of a major political party allegedly made statements capable of inciting violence during a campaign rally in Brass LGA.
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