May 31, 2026
Participants at the 2026 Biafra Remembrance Day Zoom Conference have called for a strategic redefinition of the Biafra struggle, emphasizing political engagement, inclusiveness, non-violence, and ideological clarity as the pathway forward.
The conference, held under the theme “Biafra: 56 Years After – Changing the Narrative,” brought together political leaders, activists, stakeholders, and advocates to review the state of the Biafra movement and chart a new course for the future.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the conference, participants observed that the continued agitation for Biafra is largely a consequence of the failure of successive Nigerian governments to fully implement the policy of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation (3Rs) announced after the Nigerian Civil War.
The conference noted that many agitators lack a clear understanding of Biafra as an identity, an ideology, and a territorial aspiration, stressing the need for political education and ideological reorientation.
Participants rejected the “Biafra or Death” slogan and other zero-sum approaches, describing them as unrealistic political strategies. They advocated for practical engagement, strategic planning, and clearly defined alternatives capable of advancing the aspirations of the people under changing political circumstances.
A major concern raised at the conference was the perceived Igbo-centric nature of the current Biafra movement. Delegates emphasized that historical Biafra comprised not only the Igbo but also the Akwa-Cross and Ijaw/Coastal peoples.
The conference paid tribute to non-Igbo Biafrans who played significant roles during the Nigerian Civil War, particularly Frank Opigo, the Ijaw man credited with naming Biafra, and called for the inclusion of all constituent ethnic nationalities in any genuine Biafran project.
Participants also identified a widening gap between agitators and political leaders and urged stakeholders to build stronger cooperation in pursuit of the political and economic interests of Biafran people.
The conference reaffirmed that while Biafrans remain Nigerians by citizenship, they share a common indigenous identity and historical experience that must be respected and protected.
On ideology, delegates emphasized that Biafra should be understood as a project founded on justice, fairness, equity, accountability, self-reliance, community development, and good governance. They urged Biafrans to begin implementing these values in their daily lives rather than waiting for the realization of a sovereign state.
The gathering unequivocally rejected violence, armed confrontation, and the militarization of the struggle, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful, democratic, political, and diplomatic engagement.
Participants also condemned all forms of criminality and warned against associating criminal activities with the Biafra movement.
The conference encouraged stakeholders to study international self-determination movements, including developments surrounding the 2017 Catalonian Declaration, while adapting relevant lessons to local realities.
In what many observers described as a significant shift in direction, the conference declared that the era of flag marches, symbolic demonstrations, and street protests has largely passed, giving way to strategic political participation, policy advocacy, institution-building, civic education, and constructive democratic engagement.
The conference further affirmed the secular nature of the Biafra struggle, insisting that it should remain inclusive and not be controlled by any religious denomination.
To address misconceptions surrounding the Biafra question, participants resolved to intensify public sensitization and political education. They also agreed that the forum would henceforth meet on a fortnightly basis to sustain dialogue and strategic engagement.
The conference concluded that the future of the Biafra project lies in inclusiveness, non-violence, political participation, ideological clarity, justice, equity, self-reliance, and good governance.
Signatories
– Ndubuisi Anaenugwu – Good Governance Ministry (GGM)
– Mazi Ikechukwu Bismarck Oji, MNSE, COREN – Founding Secretary-General, Eastern Peoples Congress (EPC)
– Comrade Uchenna Madu – Leader, MASSOB
– Comrade Obi Emekekwue – Political Leader
– Comrade Nkiru Nwezi (Iron Lady) – Women Leader, GGM
Source: 2026 Biafra Remembrance Day Zoom Conference Communiqué.
