Interviewer: Are there any special reasons for Bin Laden's popularity there?
Aplogan: In Kano, Bin Ladin is seen as a hero, a sort of Islamic Che Guevara, and the symbol of resistance to the great US Satan. Bin Laden's pictures are displayed in houses; tee shirts bearing his effigy are highly valued. Kano, the powder keg, was the first city in Sub-Saharan Africa to host anti-US demonstrations. On 12 October 2001, 5,000 over-excited fanatics, indignant at the first air strikes against Afghanistan, took to the streets. Some 100 people were killed. Most Kano people are Muslims, and the city backs Bin Laden.
Interviewer: Is Kano is a typical Muslim province?
Aplogan: Yes, it is one of the most religious Hausa cities. Kano was one of the very first states to adopt Shari'ah, the strict Islamic law. This increased tensions between Christians and Muslims there. Whenever you go in Kano, you will notice that people are living in fear of their neighbors. Many young people there are jobless and have been indoctrinated by Islamist movements. Some of these movements follow famous El-Zakzaky, an Iran-backed leader. Such propaganda is sure to prove successful there. Some 5,000 indoctrinated young people feel they have a mission to fulfil.
Interviewer: Can the public authorities do anything against this nascent fundamentalism?
Aplogan: Obasanjo has been unable to prevent tribal and religious clashes since he came to power in May 1999. Last year, these acts of violence killed more than 6,000 people. Despite a constitution proclaiming the secularity of the Nigerian federation, Obasanjo could not prevent the adoption of Shari'ah. Now it is difficult for Christians and Muslims to live together. It is a delicate issue.
