About Us
MOSOP USA: Established to Uphold the Vision
MOSOP USA is a nonprofit organization and the official U.S. chapter of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). Grounded in the decades-long struggle for human rights, environmental restoration, and justice in Ogoniland, Nigeria, MOSOP USA was established by members of the Ogoni diaspora and allied communities, inspired by the original movement and its visionary leader, Ken Saro-Wiwa. It stands as a living extension of MOSOP and a bridge between local resistance and global solidarity.
The mission of MOSOP USA is rooted in the memory of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, whose commitment to non-violent activism and truth-telling brought international attention to the environmental and social crises in the Niger Delta. Their vision of a liberated, self-determined Ogoni continues to guide our work in the present day.
Our Roots:
The Founding Chapter & The Ogoni Struggle for Environmental Justice
Ogoniland, Nigeria | 1990
The Ogoni people, an indigenous community in Nigeria's Niger Delta, have endured decades of environmental degradation due to oil and gas activities. Since Shell's discovery of oil in 1958, Ogoniland has suffered from numerous oil spills, gas flaring, and ecological destruction, severely impacting the health and livelihoods of its inhabitants.
In response to these challenges, Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni leaders established the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) in August 1990. MOSOP aimed to advocate for the rights of the Ogoni people, leading to the submission of the Ogoni Bill of Rights in October 1990, which called for political autonomy and environmental justice.
The peaceful protests and international advocacy led by MOSOP were met with severe repression.
In May 1994, Ken Saro-Wiwa and other leaders were arrested under dubious charges, culminating in the execution of the "Ogoni Nine" on November 10, 1995. These events drew global condemnation and highlighted the plight of the Ogoni people.
Efforts to remediate the environmental damage have been ongoing but fraught with challenges. UNEP's 2011 assessment recommended a comprehensive cleanup, but progress has been hindered by mismanagement and corruption. In 2023, UNEP withdrew from the cleanup efforts, citing frustration over the lack of effective action.
Despite these setbacks, the Ogoni people's resilience and unwavering commitment to environmental justice continue to inspire movements worldwide. Their story is a testament to the enduring fight for human rights and ecological restoration.
MOSOP’s founding aims were clear:
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To promote democratic awareness and civil participation among Ogonis
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To protect the environment from the ravages of oil exploration and spills
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To advance socio-economic development and infrastructure in Ogoniland
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To preserve cultural heritage and traditional practices
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To secure self-determination and a voice in Nigeria’s political future
Our Work
From community events to international campaigns, MOSOP USA operates on multiple fronts to:
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Honor the legacy of the Ogoni Nine and all who gave their lives for justice.
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Demand environmental accountability for full and transparent cleanup of Ogoniland.
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Promote community-led development and preserve Ogoni culture and heritage.
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Amplify Ogoni voices in global forums to advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental justice.
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Expose injustice by holding corporations and governments responsible for decades of exploitation.
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Tell Ogoni stories of struggle and resilience to inspire global solidarity.
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Champion self-determination, ensuring Ogoni people control their land, resources, and future.
We believe that true justice is only possible when communities are empowered to define their futures and when those responsible for harm are held to account.
Why It Matters
Ogoniland still bleeds.
Three decades after the executions, Ogoni communities continue to suffer the consequences of oil pollution: poisoned rivers, unproductive soil, contaminated drinking water, and public health crises. The cleanup promised by the Nigerian government and international partners remains slow, underfunded, and riddled with setbacks.
The story of the Ogoni is not just about one people or one region. It is a reflection of broader global injustices—where profits are prioritized over people, and where Indigenous voices are silenced in the name of development.
At MOSOP USA, we believe this is everyone’s fight. Whether you stand for climate justice, Indigenous sovereignty, racial equity, or corporate accountability—Ogoni’s story touches them all.
Join Us
We invite you to walk with us—to remember the past, to resist present injustices, and to rebuild a future where human.
