An Austrian economist and pro-NATO advocate, Gunther Fehlinger, has called on former U.S. President Donald Trump and the European Union (EU) to recognize and support the creation of the Biafra Republic, describing Nigeria as a “failed nation.”
Fehlinger made the call in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday. In his message, he urged Western leaders to “redeem the mistakes of history” by supporting the Biafran cause, which he described as an unfinished struggle for liberation.
“I call the EU to recognize the Biafra Republic emerging out of failed #ExNigeria,” he wrote, tagging top EU officials. “We failed Biafra in 1967 to 1970 during their liberation war to our eternal shame. We must make up for our failure and endorse the Biafra Republic now,” Fehlinger added, also appealing directly to Trump and the U.S. government.
In a related post on Sunday, the Austrian economist went further to call on “America to liberate Biafra Republic,” tagging several pro-Biafra accounts, including @Biafra_Govt and @BiafraMFA.
Fehlinger’s remarks come amid growing international concerns over insecurity and ethnic tensions in Nigeria, including reports of attacks on Christian communities in parts of the country. Some advocacy groups have accused Nigerian authorities of turning a blind eye to the violence, while the government maintains it is working to restore peace and protect all citizens.
The Biafra movement, which seeks independence for the South-East region of Nigeria, traces its roots to the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), when the former Eastern Region, led by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, declared independence as the Republic of Biafra. The war ended after three years, with over a million people mostly civilians reportedly losing their lives.
Although the war ended more than five decades ago, calls for self-determination have persisted, led by various groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Fehlinger’s statement has stirred conversations online, with supporters of Biafra praising his stance, while others argue that foreign intervention could worsen Nigeria’s internal divisions.
As of press time, neither the Nigerian government nor any Western government had officially responded to Fehlinger’s comments.
