Biafra in the News: The Nigerian Civil War Seen from a London News Desk

In 1967, Nigeria experienced a period of violent disturbance, leading to the breakaway of the Eastern Region under the name Biafra. The resulting conflict (1967-70) aroused shock and protests around the world due to mass starvation in the war zone. Relief agencies with contributions from countless individuals organized a memorable airlift of food and medicine to the Biafrans. Jonathan Derrick, a journalist for the London weekly West Africa, followed these events closely and recorded the war in the magazine's news pages. He later worked in Nigeria and has studied much of the material published on the war since 1970. His account deals with myths, misapprehensions, and controversies surrounding the conflict, while recalling the tragic facts of a grim episode in African history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Fifty years ago, Nigeria experienced a tumultuous period characterized by violent unrest, ultimately resulting in the secession of the Eastern Region under the name Biafra. The ensuing conflict (1967-70) caused widespread shock and protests globally due to the devastating effects of widespread starvation in the war-torn region. While Britain provided arms to the federal Nigerian government, France supported the Biafrans. In response, relief agencies, supported by countless individuals, organized a remarkable airlift of food and medicine to the Biafrans' airstrip. Jonathan Derrick, a journalist for the London weekly West Africa, closely followed these events and documented the war in the magazine's news pages, culminating in the federal forces' eventual victory and the remarkable reconciliation between supporters of Biafra, primarily the Igbo people, and other Nigerians. Derrick later worked in Nigeria for several years and has extensively studied the material published on the war since 1970. In this essay, he recounts the history of the conflict as documented in West Africa, referencing subsequent literature and analysis of the events that sparked intense passion at the time and continue to provoke debate. His account delves into myths, misconceptions, and controversies surrounding the conflict, while also paying tribute to the tragic realities of a dark chapter in African history.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 170 x 214 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787386860