Nigerian Civil War

What happened

Southeastern Nigeria's Igbo ethnic group, historically dominant in commerce and education, faced northern-dominated federal government. Pogroms killed 30,000+ Igbos (1966-1967). The Igbo-led region declared independence as Biafra (1967). A brutal civil war followed. The federal government used starvation as a weapon: a blockade prevented food reaching Biafrans. International food aid was limited despite starving children's images on world media. By 1970, Biafra surrendered. Estimates: 1-3 million died (mostly from starvation, 500,000+ children). Reconciliation was rapid but unequal.

Why it mattered

The Biafran War was Africa's deadliest conflict and demonstrated how modern warfare could use starvation as systematic weapon. The war's media images (starving children) created the modern concept of humanitarian crisis as media spectacle. The war influenced how NGOs and UN agencies responded to famine. Post-war, Igbos faced discrimination; northern dominance was reestablished. Modern Nigeria remains dominated by northern elites; Igbos face persistent marginalization. The Biafran War's trauma influenced Nigerian federalism and minority rights discourse.