The Caused of the Nigerian Civil War The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, took place between 1967 and 1970. It was one of the deadliest conflicts in African history, leading to the deaths of millions, mostly due to famine and disease. The war was a result of deep-seated ethnic, political, and economic tensions that had been brewing even before Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960. Understanding the root causes of the war is essential in learning from history and preventing future conflicts.The Caused of the Nigerian Civil War
This article explores the three main causes of the Nigerian Civil War: ethnic and regional divisions, political instability, and economic struggles. By examining these factors, we can better understand the challenges Nigeria faced and how they shaped the country’s history.
Section 1: Ethnic and Regional Divisions
1.1 The Colonial Legacy and Artificial Borders
Before British colonization, Nigeria was made up of different ethnic groups and kingdoms that had their own systems of governance. However, in 1914, the British merged these diverse regions into one colony, creating Nigeria. This forced unity ignored cultural differences and led to long-term tensions among ethnic groups. The three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria are:
- Hausa-Fulani (North) – Mostly Muslim and ruled by emirs.
- Yoruba (West) – A mix of Muslims and Christians with a more centralized monarchy system.
- Igbo (East) – Mostly Christian and known for their democratic village governance.
The British system of indirect rule favored the North by allowing traditional rulers to govern under colonial supervision. This led to inequalities, as the North had more political influence than the South. The resentment created by these divisions played a significant role in the events leading up to the war.
1.2 Ethnic Tensions and the 1966 Coups
After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, political power was mostly in the hands of the Northern elite. However, many Southerners, especially the Igbo, felt marginalized. This led to dissatisfaction, and in January 1966, a group of mostly Igbo military officers led a coup that overthrew the government. Key Northern leaders were assassinated, fueling anger in the North.
A few months later, in July 1966, there was a counter-coup led by Northern officers, which resulted in the killing of Igbo soldiers and civilians. This violence escalated, leading to widespread massacres of Igbo people in the North. As tensions rose, many Igbo fled to the Eastern region, increasing calls for secession.
Section 2: Political Instability and Secession
2.1 The Failure of a United Government
After the counter-coup, General Yakubu Gowon became Nigeria’s leader. However, he struggled to keep the country united due to growing ethnic distrust. The Eastern region, led by Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, felt unsafe in the Nigerian federation. Several peace talks were held, including the Aburi Accord in Ghana, but agreements failed due to mistrust between both sides.
On May 30, 1967, Ojukwu declared the Eastern region an independent state called Biafra. This declaration was not accepted by the Nigerian government, which saw it as a threat to national unity. This marked the beginning of the war, as Nigeria launched a military operation to stop the secession.
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2.2 The Role of International Powers
The Nigerian Civil War quickly became an international issue. While Nigeria received support from Britain, the Soviet Union, and Egypt, Biafra got backing from France and some African nations. International media highlighted the humanitarian crisis, as the war led to widespread starvation in Biafra due to a Nigerian blockade. The war’s global impact shaped Nigeria’s diplomatic relations even after the conflict ended.
Section 3: Economic Factors and the Oil Crisis
3.1 Control of Oil Resources
Oil was a major factor in the Nigerian Civil War. Before the war, oil had been discovered in the Niger Delta, located in the Eastern region. The Nigerian government and foreign companies wanted to keep control of these resources, while Biafra wanted to use them to fund their new state.
This struggle over oil increased tensions, as Nigeria feared losing a vital economic resource if Biafra succeeded. The government’s determination to maintain national unity was partly driven by the need to control the oil fields.
3.2 The Economic Blockade and Starvation
To weaken Biafra, the Nigerian government imposed an economic blockade, preventing food, medicine, and supplies from reaching the region. This led to a humanitarian crisis, as millions of Biafran civilians, including children, suffered from malnutrition and disease. The famine became a global issue, with international organizations attempting to send aid.
Despite international efforts, the blockade continued until Biafra surrendered on January 15, 1970. By then, an estimated one to three million people had died, mostly from starvation.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Civil War was caused by deep ethnic divisions, political instability, and economic struggles. The conflict remains a significant part of Nigeria’s history, influencing national unity, governance, and ethnic relations to this day.
While Nigeria has made progress, challenges from the past still shape the country. Addressing ethnic tensions, improving political stability, and ensuring economic fairness remain essential for lasting peace.
For more historical insights, visit BBC History.
