Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research International Relations Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 48-53)

ABSTRACT
The Indigenous People of Biafra, popularly referred to by their acronym, IPOB, have
for decades suffered marginalization in the hands of the Nigerian government. Their
cry for justice began few years after the country’s independence in 1960 and led to a
full-blown war that is regarded as one of the bloodiest civil wars in African history.
Even though they were reintegrated into the country after the war, the Igbos have been
treated as second tier citizens and have faced deprivation in several sectors of the
country, especially in politics and governance. Hence, the reignition of their agitation
in 2015.
In another case, the neighboring people of Southern Cameroon have struggled to
preserve their cultural heritage after years of seeking autonomy and self-governance
from the French dominated Republic of Cameroon. This study employed qualitative
measures to assess the struggles of IPOB and the Anglophone Cameroons to
understand the reasons for the secessionist clamors and the factors responsible for the
lack of actualization of their dream. Among other reasons, we observed that internal
crisis, strong opposition from the ruling political class, and lack of support for their
ideology from the international community hindered the progress of these movements.
Furthermore, the study also observed that the lack of a defining stance during conflict
and the ambiguity of the OAU Charter limited the organization’s effort and ability to
effectively intervene in the internal crisis of its member countries.
Keywords: Anglophone problem, Biafra, IPOB, Secession, Self-determination,
Separatist