The Biafra Referendum, otherwise known as the Biafra self-referendum, was a self-determination poll organized and conducted by the Biafra Republic Government in Exile to determine the declaration of the restoration of Biafra, a partially recognised state in West Africa that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 until 1970. On 29 November 2024, the restoration of Biafra was declared, with its capital at Ebube, reestablishing its existence after fifty-four years.[3]
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Do you approve this proposed declaration of the restoration of the independent state of Biafra, to reestablish the lost sovereign nation of Biafra from Nigeria, which will be called the United States of Biafra (USB)?[1] | ||
| Voting system | Physically and electronically[2] | |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Declaration of the restoration of Biafra | |
 Map of the United States of Biafra | ||
Background
editBiafra was a nation that declared independence from Nigeria in 1967 under the leadership of the then Eastern Region's military governor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Shortly after the declaration of independence, the Nigerian Civil War ensued as the Nigerian government sought to reclaim the territory of Biafra, culminating in victory for Nigerian forces in 1970.[4]
In May 2023, separatist Simon Ekpa wrote to Finland's former presidents Sauli Niinistö and Tarja Halonen, urging them to support a referendum for Biafra's independence from Nigeria. He submitted over 200 documents highlighting Nigeria's political issues and reminded them of an ongoing ECOWAS Court case initiated by various ethnic groups, including the Coalition of Northern Groups, advocating for a peaceful Biafra exit through a referendum.[5][6]
In late October 2023, Biafrans hosted by Ekpa and his organization, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) convened in Helsinki, Finland to discuss the potential for a possible Biafra referendum to reclaim the lost sovereign nation. On 1 February 2024, a self-determination referendum tagged the "Biafra self-referendum" was initiated.[7][8]
Upon the conclusion of the referendum exercise, the BRGIE is expected to issue a declaration for the restoration of the independent state of Biafra on 2 December 2024, during a convention scheduled from 29 November to 3 December 2024 in Lahti, Finland. The referendum is being conducted both physically and electronically.[2][9] As of late August, Ekpa says that over 50 million votes have been cast.[10]
According to Ekpa, the referendum is a response to enduring challenges such as marginalization, underdevelopment and insecurity in South East and South South geopolitical zones.[11][8][12][13][excessive citations]
Reactions
editOn 9 June 2024, the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) stated that only their leader Nnamdi Kanu can declare a referendum on Biafra. It said that such referendums will be conducted transparently and publicly, adhering to United Nations and African Charter laws, and that no such was ongoing at the time.[14]
In June 2024, the Organization of Emerging African States (OEAS), a group which advises African separatists,[15] stated that the results of the referendum will be binding under international law. It expressed satisfaction with the "referendum's integrity" and acknowledged its alignment with international standards for self-determination.[16] A representative of the Centre for Democracy and Development stated that the OEAS has no authority on the matter and that a referendum would need recognition from the United Nations or major sovereign states.[17]
A writer for the American National Security Journal Michael Rubin said "Thirty million voted, a greater number than those who cast ballots in Nigeria’s most recent presidential elections."[2]
In response to the planned "declaration of the restoration of the independent state of Biafra" on 2 December 2024, the Nigerian government, through the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), stated that it is engaging with the European Union to extradite Simon Ekpa from Finland. Meanwhile, the BRGIE said it is inviting the Nigerian government to the Biafra convention scheduled for the declaration of independence.[18][19]
Timeline
edit1 February
editThe BRGIE announced the commencement of the referendum and revealed the structure of the proposed 40 "United States of Biafra."[11]
10 February
editEkpa said that over two million votes were recorded in the self-referendum within the last ten days.[20]
31 May
editThe BRGIE said that "over 30 million Biafrans have participated in the self-referendum, indicating strong support for secession from Nigeria." Simon Ekpa, the Prime Minister of the BRGIE, stated that this turnout surpassed that of Nigeria's 2023 presidential election.[21]
20 August
editThe BRGIE unveiled the map of the proposed 40 "United States of Biafra" and set 2 December 2024 as the date for its official presentation and declaration.[22][23]
28 August
editThe Nigerian government, through the Defence Headquarters, said it was working with the European Union to extradite Ekpa for his comments on the presentation of the Biafra map and the official declaration of the restoration of Biafra.[24][25]
29 November
editBiafrans convened in Lahti, Finland, and declared the restoration of Biafra's independence, officially known as the United States of Biafra. The declaration, originally scheduled for December 2, 2024, was made earlier due to Ekpa's detention by Finnish police.[26][27]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Simon Ekpa asks Nigerian Govt to accept Result of Biafra Self-referendum - Peoples Daily Newspaper". 29 August 2024.
- ^ a b c Rubin, Michael (20 August 2024). "The Next Administration Must Keep an Eye on Nigeria". National Security Journal. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ Rubin, Michael (1 December 2024). "How Marco Rubio Can Save the State Department". 19FortyFive. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
- ^ Hurst, Ryan (21 June 2009). "Republic of Biafra (1967-1970) •". Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ Ariemu, Ogaga (12 May 2023). "Biafra Referendum: Ekpa writes Finland President, Niinistö, ex-leader Halonen". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ "Court strikes out suit to compel Igbo from Nigeria". The Guardian Nigeria. 13 March 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ "Biafra: BRGIE begins self-referendum voting for all Igbos, reveals details". Daily Post Nigeria. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- ^ a b Ariemu, Ogaga (19 October 2023). "Simon Ekpa hosts three-day extraordinary conference on Biafra Referendum". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Keep an Eye on the Biafran Self-Referendum". ORB International. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ Ariemu, Ogaga (29 August 2024). "Biafra: Ekpa asks Nigerian Govt to accept result of self-referendum". Daily Post. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ a b "Biafra's 40 States Structure Emerges As BRGIE Begins Global Self-Referendum E-voting". thesouthernexaminer.com. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Self-Referendum: Ekpa Fingers Marginalisation, Underdevelopment, Insecurity, Poverty In S'East – Independent Newspaper Nigeria". 27 August 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ "Extradition: Ekpa dares DHQ, invites Nigerian officials to Biafra convention in Finland". The Guardian Nigeria. 29 August 2024. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ Opejobi, Seun (9 June 2024). "Simon Ekpa: Only Nnamdi Kanu can declare Biafra referendum - IPOB". Daily Post. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ "African Conflict Zones in Need of Cease-Fires for Coronavirus Aid". Voice of America. 1 April 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ Ariemu, Ogaga (28 June 2024). "Biafra referendum binding statement under Int'l law - OEAS". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ Iruke, Chioma (14 July 2024). "FACT CHECK: Ekpa's false claims of foreign backing debunked". Blueprint. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ David, Tarkaa (28 August 2024). "Biafra: Federal Gov't Engaging EU To Extradite Simon Ekpa – DHQ". Leadership News. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ "Lets discuss at EU, pro-Biafran group tells FG". Vanguard News. 27 August 2024.
- ^ "'We're ready to go' as over 2m Biafrans vote for self-referendum in few days - Ekpa". Daily Post Nigeria. 10 February 2024. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ Ariemu, Ogaga (31 May 2024). "Biafra: BRGIE claims 30m voted 'during self-referendum'". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ "We'll unveil biafran map soon – Group". Vanguard News. 20 August 2024.
- ^ Ariemu, Ogaga (19 October 2023). "Simon Ekpa hosts three-day extraordinary conference on Biafra Referendum". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ David, Tarkaa (28 August 2024). "Biafra: Federal Gov't Engaging EU To Extradite Simon Ekpa – DHQ". Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ Opejobi, Seun (28 August 2024). "Biafra map: Nigerian govt moves for Simon Ekpa's extradition". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ "Ekpa not bailable, followers declare United States of Biafra in Finland". Punch Newspapers. 29 November 2024. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
- ^ Michael, Rubin (1 December 2024). "Biafra Declares Independence: A Renewed Quest for Freedom". American Enterprise Institute.