The Biafran War (1967-1970) and its Humanitarian Crisis
Abstract
A devastating conflict ravaged the eastern region of Nigeria between 1967 and 1970, known as the Biafran War, resulting in catastrophic humanitarian crisis. This conflict, otherwise known as the Nigerian Civil War, was an attempt by the Eastern region to secede from the country and form an independent state called Biafra. An estimated two million civilians of Eastern Nigerian origin perished from the conflict. The survivors contended with severe malnutrition, widespread disease outbreaks, and forced displacement, exacerbating the humanitarian disaster. The war posed a significant challenge to the effectiveness and relevance of the United Nations Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. This is against the backdrop of the provisions of the United Nations Charter, and its instruments contained in Security Council Resolutions. This paper analyzes the international response to the conflict within security studies from 1945 to the late 20th century. Furthermore, the paper sheds light on the significance of contemporary international security paradigm focused on human security in the pursuit of international peace and security. Qualitative content analysis of primary and extant secondary data forms the basis of this paper.
Start Time
16-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 10:00 AM
Room Number
304
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Art and Humanities
Faculty Mentor
Brian Maxson
The Biafran War (1967-1970) and its Humanitarian Crisis
304
A devastating conflict ravaged the eastern region of Nigeria between 1967 and 1970, known as the Biafran War, resulting in catastrophic humanitarian crisis. This conflict, otherwise known as the Nigerian Civil War, was an attempt by the Eastern region to secede from the country and form an independent state called Biafra. An estimated two million civilians of Eastern Nigerian origin perished from the conflict. The survivors contended with severe malnutrition, widespread disease outbreaks, and forced displacement, exacerbating the humanitarian disaster. The war posed a significant challenge to the effectiveness and relevance of the United Nations Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. This is against the backdrop of the provisions of the United Nations Charter, and its instruments contained in Security Council Resolutions. This paper analyzes the international response to the conflict within security studies from 1945 to the late 20th century. Furthermore, the paper sheds light on the significance of contemporary international security paradigm focused on human security in the pursuit of international peace and security. Qualitative content analysis of primary and extant secondary data forms the basis of this paper.