COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 2026 BIAFRA REMEMBRANCE DAY ZOOM CONFERENCE HELD ON SUNDAY, 31ST MAY 2026.
Theme: Biafra: 56 Years After – Changing the Narrative.
Following extensive deliberations on the Biafra question and the future of the struggle, participants at the 2026 Biafra Remembrance Day Zoom Conference adopted the following resolutions:
1. *The Root Cause of Continued Agitation.*
The Conference observed that the continued agitation for Biafra is largely attributable to the failure of successive Nigerian governments to fully implement the policy of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation (3Rs) proclaimed at the end of the Nigerian Civil War. Consequently, the agitation remains fundamentally a demand for equity, justice, fairness, inclusion, and good governance.Again ,many agitators lack knowledge of what they want and how to achieve it . They do not understand the concept of Biafra as an Identity; Biafra as an Ideology and Biafra as a territory.
2. *The Need for a Realistic Political Strategy.*
The Conference noted that the slogan “Biafra or Death” and other zero-sum approaches do not constitute realistic political strategies. Every political project must be guided by a practical roadmap, strategic engagement, and clearly defined fallback options capable of advancing the aspirations of the people under changing political circumstances.
3. *Inclusiveness of the Biafra Project* .
Participants expressed concern that the Biafra project has become excessively Igbo-centric in its current phase. Historically, Biafra comprised three major blocs: the Igbo, Akwa-Cross, and Ijaw/Coastal peoples.
The Conference affirmed that Biafra—past, present, or future—cannot be meaningfully discussed without acknowledging the heroic contributions of non-Igbo Biafrans. Special recognition should be accorded to those who stood firmly with the Biafran Republic until its final days like Gen. Philip Effiong, Ojukwu’s 2nd in Command and HRH King Frank Opigo, an Ijaw from Angiama, Bayelsa State, credited with naming Biafra and who himself was a victim of the Abandoned Property policy.
The Conference therefore resolved that deliberate efforts must be made to ensure the full inclusion and participation of all constituent ethnic nationalities in any genuine Biafran project.
4. *Bridging the Gap Between Agitators and Political Leadership.*
The Conference identified a significant disconnect between Biafran agitators and political leaders. It resolved that relevant stakeholders such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo should actively work to bridge this gap, not only on the Biafra question but also in advancing the legitimate political and economic interests of Biafran people within Nigeria.It should be noted that we are Biafrans by indigenous identity but still Nigerians by Citizenship.
The Conference reiterated that many Biafrans feel marginalized and treated as second-class citizens in a country they regard as their own. While Biafrans are united by geography and historical experience, they currently exist within the Nigerian state, just as peoples of the former Western Region identify with Oduduwa and peoples of Northern Nigeria identify with Arewa within the broader Nigerian context.
5. *Biafra as an Ideological Project.*
The Conference emphasized that Biafra is not merely a territorial aspiration but also an ideological project founded on the principles of goodness, justice, equity, fairness, love, accountability, and good governance.
It further stressed that the implementation of Biafran ideals—including Aku Ruo Ulo (homeland development), self-reliance, productivity, equitable resource distribution, justice for all, and the principles enunciated in the Ahiara Declaration—should not wait until the realization of a sovereign Biafran state.
Rather, all Biafrans, both Igbo and non-Igbo, should internalize and practice these values through honest enterprise, mutual respect, community development, responsible leadership, and peaceful coexistence among all Biafran ethnic nationalities.
6. *Commitment to Non-Violence.*
The Conference reaffirmed its commitment to the pursuit of the Biafra cause through peaceful, democratic, political, and diplomatic means. Violence, armed confrontation, and any form of militarization of the struggle were unequivocally rejected.
7. *Rejection of Criminality.*
Participants unanimously condemned all forms of criminality and emphasized that criminal acts, regardless of the justification advanced by perpetrators, must neither be associated with nor tolerated within the Biafran movement.
8. *Learning from International Experiences.*
The Conference encouraged stakeholders to study and draw useful lessons from international self-determination movements, particularly the developments surrounding the 2017 Catalonian Declaration, while adapting such lessons to local realities and constitutional frameworks.
9. *Political Engagement as the Way Forward.*
The Conference agreed that political engagement, democratic participation, advocacy, and constructive dialogue remain the most effective and sustainable means of advancing the aspirations of the people.
The military option was rejected as neither desirable nor capable of delivering enduring solutions.
10. *A New Phase of the Struggle.*
The Conference resolved that the Biafra struggle has moved beyond the era of symbolic demonstrations, flag marches, and street protests. The present phase demands strategic political participation, policy advocacy, institution-building, civic education, and constructive engagement with democratic structures.
11. *Secular Character of the Struggle.*
The Conference affirmed that the Biafran struggle must remain secular, inclusive, and non-sectarian. It should not be tied to, controlled by, or identified with any particular religious denomination or faith tradition.
12. *Continuous Sensitization and Mobilization.*
The Conference observed that misconceptions and distortions surrounding the Biafra project have caused considerable damage to the struggle and its public perception. It therefore emphasized the need for sustained and coordinated sensitization, political education, and mobilization aimed at changing the narrative and promoting a deeper understanding of the ideals of Biafranism.
Accordingly, the Conference resolved that this forum shall henceforth convene on a fortnightly basis to sustain engagement, reflection, and strategic dialogue.
*Conclusion*
The Conference concluded that the future of the Biafra project lies in inclusiveness, non-violence, political engagement, ideological clarity, and the practical application of the values of justice, equity, fairness, self-reliance, and good governance.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing these objectives through peaceful and democratic means.
Adopted this 31st Day of May, 2026.
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
