In response to the execution, the board of the GBCS initiated dialogue with Shell Oil Company, one of the major companies producing oil in Nigeria. A meeting was held with a Shell official in Washington. The board considered a possible boycott of Shell for its complicity in oppressing Ogoni people in Nigeria. Staff also works with the Nigeria Roundtable, a group working to support human rights in Nigeria. After the election of a civilian government in Nigeria this year, GBCS took no further action on a boycott of Shell.
Staff continues to monitor developments in the country.
Landmines are still a scourge in many nations, particularly in Mozambique. The Peace with Justice Network was provided resources on this important treaty, and United Methodists were urged to contact their Senators to support its ratification. Pressure was applied on President Clinton to sign the treaty. The President will not sign the treaty until an alternative weapon can be developed for use by the military. Raising awareness of the problem of child soldiers, many of whom are in Africa, is a priority of the GBCS Peace with Justice Network.