Abroad, General Abacha's human rights record and broken promises about a return to democracy had made Nigeria an international pariah.

But does his death offer the hope of better times to come for the Nigerian people?

Human rights activist and Nigerian playwright Wole Soyinka says the people have had enough of military dictatorships.

But the swearing in of Major-General Abdusalam Abubakar as Head of State does not suggest that the military is prepared to give up its 30 year hold on power.

World leaders have said they hope to see a return to civilian government and the UK has ended Nigeria's diplomatic isolation and arranged ministerial talks.

What do you think of the role of the military in Nigerian politics? Is strong leadership necessary to hold together Africa's most populous nation? Might Western style democracy throw up more problems than it solves?

How can the international community forge a better relationship with Nigeria's new leaders? Was the UK right to end Nigeria's diplomatic isolation?

What do you think?

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