Summary

According to the Igbo, the Nigeria-Biafra War was the result of the January 15th coup by the Northern military and the massacre of over 30,000 Igbo and Easterners that followed. The federal government felt compelled to stop the Eastern Region from leaving the federation because it could inspire other ethnic groups to leave. The Organization of African Unity (OAU) held several meetings in an effort to resolve the differences. Chinua felt the OAU was biased because of its One Nigeria policy. Most African nations agreed with the OAU that allowing Biafra’s independence could result in the destabilization of the entire continent.

A handful of African nations including Tanzania, Zambia, Gabon and the Ivory Coast recognized Biafra as a sovereign state. There was outreach by Biafra’s diplomatic delegation to the international community for recognition. Haiti recognized Biafra because of their close connection to...