THE NIGERIA CIVIL WAR AND THE QUESTION OF GENOCIDE

Abstract

The Nigeria Civil War (1967–1970), also known as the Biafran War, remains one of the most contested conflicts in African history, particularly regarding the question of genocide. This paper critically examines the claims and counterclaims of genocide against the Igbo ethnic group during the war, interrogating the legal, historical, and political dimensions of mass violence and humanitarian catastrophe. Drawing on archival sources, eyewitness accounts, and international legal frameworks, the study explores the extent to which the policies of the Nigerian government—such as economic blockades, mass killings, and forced starvation—align with the definition of genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention. Additionally, it evaluates the role of global actors, including the United Nations, Western powers, and humanitarian organizations, in shaping narratives around the war. The paper argues that while the conflict exhibited clear elements of ethnic persecution and mass atrocities, the legal classification of genocide remains contentious due to political and diplomatic considerations. By engaging with both historical evidence and contemporary legal debates, this study contributes to broader discussions on post-colonial African conflicts, international justice, and the enduring legacies of the Biafran struggle.