Biafran War

What happened

After Nigeria's independence (1960), ethnic tensions between the Yoruba-dominated west, Hausa-dominated north, and Igbo-dominated east exploded. Military coups (1966) and ethnic violence prompted the eastern region to secede as Biafra (May 1967). Federal Nigeria (led by General Gowon) launched a military offensive, blockading Biafra and gradually conquering territory. The war lasted two-and-a-half years; starvation killed more people than combat. Biafra's resistance became increasingly desperate; international relief efforts (airlifts) could not prevent famine. By January 1970, Biafra surrendered. The war killed 1-3 million people, mostly from starvation and disease. Nigerian forces committed atrocities; so did Biafran secessionists.

Why it mattered

The Biafran War demonstrated Africa's post-colonial fragility and the dangers of ethnic nationalism. The conflict established the principle of non-interference in internal conflicts (OAU support for Nigeria's territorial integrity). The war created the template for humanitarian relief in conflicts (airlifts, NGO involvement). The starvation crisis introduced the term 'biafra' into popular consciousness as synonymous with famine. The conflict influenced subsequent African politics and debates about national unity versus ethnic self-determination.