Africa: Nigerian Civil War(1967-70)

Kayla Romero

Prompt:Outline the type, origins, nature and effects and

results of the Algerian War and Nigerian Civil War

(TONE)

Map: Nigeria

Type(s):❖Civil War/War of Independence❖ Total War

Origins: Long-term❖ In 1960, when Nigeria gained its independence, its

major ethnic and religious groups competed for political control of the new state.➢ Christian Ibo vs. Muslim➢ Allegations that 1963 census and elections of 1964-

65 were corrupt = political unrest➢ Western political leaders were imprisoned by the

federal gov’t

Origins: Short-term❖ Continuous violations of Ibo human rights by other

Nigerians, (Nigerian massacres on Ibo):➢ 1966 - In response to Ironsi’s attempt to replace

Nigeria’s federal system with a unitary national government >> Nigerians rioted and attacked Ibos.

➢ Sep. 29, 1966 - Nigerians once again attacked Ibos, slaughtering tens of thousands.

Origins: Immediate❖ On May 30, 1967, Ojukwu announced the secession of

the east and declared that region the Republic of Biafra.➢ In March, 1967, Ibo Governor Ojukwu retained all taxes

collected in the Eastern Region.➢ On May 27, 1967, Ojukwu and a number of Ibo chiefs

declared the Eastern Region independent of Nigerian authority.

➢ In response>>Gowon initiated an economic boycott of the East and began a military campaign against Ojukwu and his Biafran army

Nature:❖ Biafra strategies:

➢ Gowon initiated an economic boycott of the East and began a military campaign against Ojukwu and his Biafran army.

➢ Relief committees were used to ask for assistance➢ Ojukwu and the Biafrans appealed to the international

community for help on the principle of self-determination➢ Used Western media

Nature cont.:❖ Nigerian Federal Government Responses/Strategies:

➢ (Boycott/Relief efforts)>> Nigeria’s federal government opposed relief efforts arguing that the civil war would end more quickly if the economic boycott were allowed to continue without disruption, forcing the Ibo to surrender

➢ (Int. Committees/Western Media)>> The Nigerian federal government obstructed efforts by international aid organizations

➢ Nigerian federal government delayed negotiations of a ceasefire, hoping that Biafra would be forced to sue for peace, thus preventing a negotiated compromise that would undermine Nigeria’s central government

➢ No foreign assistance to Biafra>>Organization of African Unity (OAU)

Results:❖ January, 1970 - the Biafrans were militarily defeated ❖ January 13, 1970 - Lieutenant Colonel Philip Effiong,

(replaced Ojukwu as the major Biafran authority), surrendered to the federal government.

❖ Biafran decision-making bodies were dissolved, and Biafra ceased to exist on January 15, 1970

Effects:❖ Nigeria reabsorbs ethnic Ibo groups very well>> Nigeria

experiences economic boom from oil price increases in the early 1970’s>>expanding revenues

❖ Military rule❖ Nigeria struggled with issues of democratization and

development❖ On the US front, because of exposure to the Biafran

struggles (1968 on), caught the attention from the populace and increased humanitarian efforts.