REPUBLIC OF BIAFRA

	THE CASE FOR SELF-DETERMINATION
	November 2001

The logic for Biafra has returned despite Nigeria’s so-called “No Victor, No Vanquished” post-war rhetoric

From Zamfara’s January 2000 introduction of Sharia Law, Islamic states have mushroomed in northern Nigeria.  Gombe in late 2001 implemented Sharia Law

The Nigerian Federal Government has demonstrated systematic disregard for the right to life of ordinary Biafrans, even as sectarian violence and hate campaigns increase in frequency

	In October 2001, religious riots in Kano, a major northern Nigerian city claimed the lives of over 200 Biafrans and southern Nigerians.  Questioned about the riots, Nigerian ruler, President Olusegun Obasanjo responded thus:
		"I don't worry. . . We knew there would be people who would want to express (themselves)."
	General Olusegun Obasanjo, President and Commander-in-Chief, Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 – Present)
	In contrast, a resident of Kaduna, one of the cities in which hundreds died in Sharia-related riots in 2000, reflected thus:
		"We now live in perpetual fear because of the incidents of terror unleashed by rampaging youths in their battle to ensure Islamic sharia law is in operation in the city.  I don't stay out beyond six in the evening.”
	Kate Obosa, Kaduna resident

The strategic nexus of high level corruption, a militarized “democracy and state complicity in civilian massacres has convinced Biafran activists the Nigerian state is incapable of protecting their civil rights

Thus, Biafra is a response to the terrorism, cruelty, failure and utter lack of humanity represented by the Nigerian state

	Logic: Biafrans at historical crossroads
		“The Federal Government is afraid of daring the perpetrators of the Sharia Law.  We, therefore, find ourselves at another crossroads.  Do we want freedom in a New Biafra or Slavery in Nigeria?  The memory of the past civil war stares us in the face.  The issue of another Biafra therefore raises more questions than answers.  We are now faced with the problem of convincing our people that the quest for the new Biafra will not cause another war.  We have therefore resolved to pursue the cause of freedom in our new Biafra. This is the greatest legacy that we can bestow on our future generation. ”
	Objective: Biafran Independence
		“Having hoisted the flag of our new Biafra today, we wish to declare our resolve to demand and pursue the realization of our sovereignty from the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “
	Independence Strategy: Non-violence and negotiation culminating in a referendum
		“The process admits [use] of negotiations, dialogue and consultation. It also admits [use] of non co-operation and passive resistance to oppressive and obnoxious laws of the authorities.”
	Process Steps: 25 stages for the actualization of the sovereignty of the new Biafra State through Non-violence and Non Exodus.
		“It was through a struggle like ours that Nigeria, Ghana, India, South Africa, East Timor etc gained their independence.”

The proposed Biafran territory – subject to an initial referendum and perpetual constitutional right for its members to secede - is about 29,400 square miles

The revival of the Biafran self-determination project – flagged off in 1999 - has been effectively led by a local grassroots based organization, MASSOB

	Background
	Full Name: Movement For the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB)
	Founded in 1998/99
	Influences: Ghandi, Mandela and King
	Objective: Lead a non-violent campaign for Biafra self-determination and independence
	Goal: Obtain UN-supervised referendum for independence
	Key Leadership: Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, Mr. Orjiakor and Mr. Uche Okwukwu
	Headquarters: Okigwe
	Membership: 7.5 million (within and outside Nigeria)

The revival of the Biafran self-determination project – flagged off in 1999 - has been effectively led by a local grassroots based organization, MASSOB (Cont.)

Slide 10

The Sept. 2001 opening of Biafra House marks a critical shift in the efforts towards self-determination; it provides a platform for organizing the Biafran Diaspora, as well as international relations

	On Sept. 29, 2001, the leadership of MASSOB, Biafra Foundation, Ekwe Nche and a number of well-wishers opened Biafra House located in Washington D.C.
	Biafra House acts as central gathering point for Biafran activities in North America
	Provides a platform for the organization of intellectual, fund raising and diplomatic efforts to support the independence of the Biafran state
	Provides a credible symbol of the results of a strategy of non-violence in the pursuit of Biafran independence

Voice of Biafra International has been broadcasting once a week since late 2001.  The one-hour broadcast provides a critical source of information and boosts the morale of Biafrans globally

	Voice of Biafra International (VOBI)
	The goal of VOBI is to provide and disseminate news and information of relevance and pressing import to Igbo-Biafra, and to the rest of the world, using SHORTWAVE Radio..
		On September 1, 2001, the maiden broadcast was made.
	Frequency: 12.125 MHz  equivalent to 24.74 Meter Band
	Time: 1900 Hours UTC (Universal Time [Coordinated]) equivalent to 8.00pm Igboland time every Saturday.
	A project of Biafra Foundation, Ekwe Nche and Biafra Actualization Forum.

To join the effort to help achieve Biafran independence and guarantee over 30 million people their freedoms, please contact the following organizations

REPUBLIC OF BIAFRA NATIONAL ANTHEM

Since 1945, Biafran nationality groups have been subjected to repeated pogroms, harassment and dispossession of property.  The scale and frequency suggests genocide

Nigeria has experienced a creeping Islamization since the 1804 Jihad, only interrupted by the British colonial era, with Islamic radicals pursuing a goal of “dipping the Koran in the sea”

	1960-1977: Secular state (and occasionally) constitution in force; Sharia negotiated away during pre- independence negotiations