How do you fight a war while relying on your enemy for food? The blockade starved millions, yet the Biafran leadership kept going without a supply plan. Then they invaded Midwestern Nigeria and pushed toward Yorubaland
turning a defensive war into an aggressive one. That move lost them Southern support.
And when it all collapsed, Ojukwu fled to Ivory Coast leaving people to die while allegedly taking funds meant for Biafra’s survival.
Yes, Nigeria buried the truth—but Biafra’s leaders weren’t innocent either. History demands honesty, not blind hero worship.
I read Chimamanda's Half Of A Yellow Sun just recently, and I was utterly surprised as to how the Civil War was never taught to me. I paused and seriously wondered how and why it wasn't taught, not even secondary schools, let's assume the details of war was to gory to be taught to young children.
And the 20 pounds thing? Coincidentally, I heard about it (for the first time) around the same time I was reading CNA's book and I was too confused.
I really hope we're never faced with another ethnic war of any scale at all. And I really wished young Nigerians are brought to terms with this truth, so we don't repeat history or carry on animosity.
Although it was an interesting read and I learned interesting facts, I have to say that Rwanda didn’t completely faced its past and the fact that Rwanda is an active actor in the war at the West of DRC (genocide in the West) proves it.
I think that it would be more honest to recognise that fact.
Thank you for your comment. I understand your point about Rwanda's actions in DRC. However, my essay was comparing how Rwanda dealt with healing inside their own country after the genocide versus how Nigeria handled the aftermath of the Biafran War.
Rwanda set up courts, taught their children about what happened, and worked to bring their people together. Nigeria did none of this after Biafra - they just told everyone to forget and move on.
I wasn't saying Rwanda is perfect in everything they do. I was just pointing out that they faced their painful history in ways Nigeria still refuses to do.
No side was entirely innocent.
But millions paid the price.
Sadly 😢
Is it strategically sound or viable to engage in a war while depending on the opposing side for critical resources like food?
Is this a demonstration of fatal self destruction or an invitation of strategic vulnerability ?
Biafra was a tragedy, but let’s be honest
some wounds were self-inflicted.
How do you fight a war while relying on your enemy for food? The blockade starved millions, yet the Biafran leadership kept going without a supply plan. Then they invaded Midwestern Nigeria and pushed toward Yorubaland
turning a defensive war into an aggressive one. That move lost them Southern support.
And when it all collapsed, Ojukwu fled to Ivory Coast leaving people to die while allegedly taking funds meant for Biafra’s survival.
Yes, Nigeria buried the truth—but Biafra’s leaders weren’t innocent either. History demands honesty, not blind hero worship.
I read Chimamanda's Half Of A Yellow Sun just recently, and I was utterly surprised as to how the Civil War was never taught to me. I paused and seriously wondered how and why it wasn't taught, not even secondary schools, let's assume the details of war was to gory to be taught to young children.
And the 20 pounds thing? Coincidentally, I heard about it (for the first time) around the same time I was reading CNA's book and I was too confused.
I really hope we're never faced with another ethnic war of any scale at all. And I really wished young Nigerians are brought to terms with this truth, so we don't repeat history or carry on animosity.
There are still plenty ethnic cleansing going on in Nigeria that the government is actively sponsoring or complicant in
I really hope so too.
Thanks a lot for this piece
I was thinking about writing.
The grave images 😭
The massacre at a community that came to show solidarity with the Nigerian army 😭.
How come I learnt about European wars but not this?? 🫠
Although it was an interesting read and I learned interesting facts, I have to say that Rwanda didn’t completely faced its past and the fact that Rwanda is an active actor in the war at the West of DRC (genocide in the West) proves it.
I think that it would be more honest to recognise that fact.
Thank you for your comment. I understand your point about Rwanda's actions in DRC. However, my essay was comparing how Rwanda dealt with healing inside their own country after the genocide versus how Nigeria handled the aftermath of the Biafran War.
Rwanda set up courts, taught their children about what happened, and worked to bring their people together. Nigeria did none of this after Biafra - they just told everyone to forget and move on.
I wasn't saying Rwanda is perfect in everything they do. I was just pointing out that they faced their painful history in ways Nigeria still refuses to do.
Ooh then I understand it better and thanks for clarifying your point, it was really interesting to read it!
Hope that you will continue making those kinds of parallels!!
Of course 🙏
YASSSSS YASSSS preach! This is such an interesting take on the situation and the parallels between the two countries. Love it!
Really went past the "White people are the cause of all that has happened to us" and shows we too have some responsibilities
🙏✨
Thank you so much for this piece. I'm seeing this for the first time. It's so good to have an avenue where you can be in touch with history
You welcome ♥️
Thank you for writing this, this is a brave thing you just did ❤️
🙏 ♥️