The United States of Biafra (USB), led by Simon Ekpa, has written an open letter to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, formally requesting recognition for the newly redeclared Biafran state. The letter, issued by Ekpa’s deputy, Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, marks a significant step in the ongoing Biafran movement and highlights the group’s claims to sovereignty.
The three-page letter, which was shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, outlined the USB’s intentions and asserted its claim to Biafra’s independence. The letter also stressed that the United Nations’ conventions on statehood and self-determination supported their case.
According to the letter, the United States of Biafra was officially redeclared on November 29, 2024, in Lahti, Finland, during a global convention that saw over 50 million Biafrans voting for the restoration of the country’s independence. This declaration is a continuation of the historic Biafran struggle for self-determination, which began in 1967 when the Republic of Biafra was initially declared under the leadership of Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Orabueze, the Acting Head of State and Deputy Prime Minister of USB, wrote in the letter that Biafra’s independence was officially reaffirmed during the convention, with a new name adopted for the country—the United States of Biafra. The new nation is reported to comprise 40 states, marking a more extensive regional representation than the original 1967 Republic of Biafra.
The letter detailed that a referendum, which ran from February to November 2024, helped secure the broad support for Biafra’s independence. This referendum included both electronic and physical voting methods, allowing Biafrans across the globe to participate. With over 50 million participants, the result was a clear demonstration of the Biafran people’s commitment to self-determination.
In their letter, the USB leadership invoked the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, which is a key international treaty outlining the criteria for establishing a state. According to the convention, a state must have a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, the ability to enter into foreign relations, and respect for human rights and self-determination. The USB claims to meet all of these requirements and asserts that it has the right to defend its sovereignty and independence.
“Our experience has shown that there is no alternative path to achieving independence other than to be vocal and visible in our demands,” Orabueze wrote. She added that the USB would continue to raise its voice for Biafran sovereignty and call for international recognition.
The letter also stresses that Biafra intends to maintain peaceful relations with Nigeria, calling for a “constructive dialogue” to achieve a peaceful and respectful dissolution of the two nations. This diplomatic approach reflects the USB’s desire for a smooth transition and harmonious separation between the two countries.
The USB is also laying out an economic vision for the newly declared nation. In the letter, Orabueze highlighted the importance of creating a secure and transparent business environment. She highlighted the USB’s commitment to attracting both local and foreign investments, stimulating innovation, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Biafra, according to the letter, aims to become a hub for trade, commerce, and industry, leveraging its strategic location, abundant resources, and skilled workforce. The goal is to boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the quality of life for Biafran citizens.
“We will provide a secure and transparent business climate with streamlined regulations and investment incentives,” Orabueze said. This economic focus appears to be a part of a broader strategy to demonstrate that the USB is prepared for independence and is serious about creating a prosperous future for its citizens.
The USB leadership is also working to establish diplomatic ties with other nations. The letter points to countries such as Gabon, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Zambia as already recognizing the new Biafran state. In line with this, the USB seeks to have Nigeria acknowledge its sovereignty and engage in cooperation, especially concerning border security and mutual economic interests.
Orabueze further stated that the United States of Biafra was open to fostering international relations and diplomatic cooperation under the principles set out in the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The desire for recognition from Nigeria is central to the USB’s broader goals. They hope that Nigeria will respect Biafra’s sovereignty, engage in diplomatic dialogue, and work together to ensure peace and security on shared borders.
The struggle for Biafra’s independence has its roots in Nigeria’s post-independence history. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, tensions between the country’s different ethnic groups, including the Igbo people of the southeastern region, led to the declaration of Biafra as a sovereign state in 1967. The subsequent Biafran War (1967-1970) resulted in the defeat of Biafra, and the region was reintegrated into Nigeria.
However, the idea of Biafran independence has remained alive through various advocacy groups and leaders. The current push, led by Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-based separatist leader, is part of a broader movement seeking to revive the Biafran cause. Ekpa and his supporters argue that the Igbo people and other ethnic groups in the south-eastern region are not properly represented in Nigeria’s federal system and that self-determination is the only path to a better future.
Despite the challenges facing the USB in terms of gaining international recognition and navigating Nigeria’s legal framework, the group’s persistence in seeking diplomatic recognition shows the continued relevance of the Biafran cause in Nigerian politics.
The reaction to the USB’s letter from Nigeria has yet to be officially confirmed. However, Nigeria’s federal government has consistently rejected calls for Biafra’s secession. The government considers the matter settled since the end of the Biafran War in 1970.