War is the highest form of political struggle for resolving contradictions, when they have developed to a certain stage either between classes, nations, states or political groups. Hence, the rapport between war and peace is being determined by the approach or position of diplomacy. Since the failure of diplomacy usually laid the basis for the start of war, and after all wars, peace often reign, it is of enormous significance to recognize the important relationship between war and diplomacy. Like all civil wars, the Nigerian civil war was unique in the context of the nation’s history. This is because it was the most vivid expression of a country turned against itself. As with civil wars in other countries, the Nigerian civil war can be analyzed within the context of a failed diplomatic act. Hence, this paper discussed the position of negotiation or peace talk before and after the Nigerian civil war of 1967-1970. It has also looked at the general impact of diplomacy during the period of the crisis.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. CAUSES OF THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR IN BRIEF
3. THE ABURI ACCORD
4. GHANA’S MEDIATORY ROLE IN THE CRISIS: ABURI AND AFTER
4.1 Ghana’s Tacit Support for Biafra’
5. Nigeria – Ivory Coast Relations
6. BRITAIN, FRANCE AND THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR, 1967-1970
6.1 The Failure of France’s Nigerian Policy
7. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
Research Objectives and Themes
This academic paper examines the role of diplomacy during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), specifically analyzing the effectiveness of peace negotiations before and after the conflict. It aims to determine how diplomatic maneuvers and international relations influenced the course and resolution of the crisis.
- The impact of failed diplomacy and the Aburi Accord on the escalation of the conflict.
- The mediatory role of Ghana and its complex relationship with Nigeria and Biafra.
- The diplomatic tensions between Britain and France regarding their divergent policies toward Biafra.
- The influence of international recognition and economic interests on the duration of the war.
- The post-war diplomatic repercussions and the reconstruction of regional relations.
Excerpt from the Book
THE ABURI ACCORD
The Aburi Summit was a last ditch effort to save a tottering republic from collapse. On January 4&5 1967, Nigeria’s top military brass converged in Aburi in the republic of Ghana for an unusual conference. It was called the Aburi Accord, signed by the leaders of the country about forty six years ago in Aburi, Ghana. It was an accord that was meant to tackle the issue of true federalism in the country.
The Accord was precipitated by the crisis that trailed the counter coup of July 26 1966, and the massacre of southerners, mainly the Igbos in Northern Nigeria. The counter coup was a revenge coup to the military coup that occurred earlier in the year 1966 while Lt. Col. Ojukwu, Military Governor, Eastern Region, as he then was, refused to recognize Lt. Col. Gowon as the new Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Nigeria Army. He had insisted that in the absence of Ironsi, the most senior Army officer, in this case Brigadier Babafemi Ogundipe should take charge of the country’s affairs to maintain order and discipline in the Army (Adejo, 2008: 40), but Gowon held on to power in Lagos.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of the causes of the Nigerian Civil War and establishes the focus on the often-overlooked role of pre-war and post-war diplomacy.
CAUSES OF THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR IN BRIEF: Outlines the historical background of the conflict, citing colonial legacies, ethnic tensions, and political instability as primary drivers.
THE ABURI ACCORD: Details the failed attempt at a peaceful resolution through the Aburi conference and the subsequent breakdown of the agreement due to implementation disputes.
GHANA’S MEDIATORY ROLE IN THE CRISIS: ABURI AND AFTER: Analyzes Ghana's efforts to mediate peace and the resulting tension in its relationship with Nigeria due to its perceived support for Biafra.
Nigeria – Ivory Coast Relations: Explores the diplomatic fallout between Nigeria and the Ivory Coast caused by the latter's recognition of the Biafran state.
BRITAIN, FRANCE AND THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR, 1967-1970: Examines the conflicting interests and diplomatic rivalry between Britain and France in the context of the war.
The Failure of France’s Nigerian Policy: Discusses the shifting motivations of French policy and the eventual collapse of its influence as the war ended.
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS: Summarizes the study’s findings on the role of diplomacy and offers reflections on the lessons learned regarding international relations and domestic stability.
Keywords
Nigerian Civil War, Diplomacy, Aburi Accord, Biafra, Republic of Nigeria, International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Federalism, Military Coup, Foreign Policy, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Britain, France, Colonialism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on the diplomatic aspects of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), analyzing how failed diplomatic efforts and international interventions impacted the duration and resolution of the crisis.
What are the central themes discussed?
The central themes include the failure of internal negotiations like the Aburi Accord, the role of mediation by neighboring countries, and the influence of colonial legacies on post-independence statehood.
What is the central research question?
The research asks how diplomacy, or the failure thereof, shaped the path to the Nigerian Civil War and how it affected the country's subsequent domestic and foreign policies.
Which scientific methodology is used?
The study employs a historical and analytical methodology, utilizing primary memoirs, diplomatic accounts, and secondary literature to reconstruct the political history of the era.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body examines the specific diplomatic stances of Ghana, Ivory Coast, Britain, and France, while providing a detailed account of the failed Aburi Accord.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Nigerian Civil War, Diplomacy, Biafra, Federalism, and Foreign Policy, reflecting the intersection of domestic and international politics.
Why did the Aburi Accord fail to prevent the war?
The Accord failed primarily due to disagreements between the Federal Government and the Eastern Region leadership regarding the interpretation and implementation of the agreed terms.
How did French foreign policy influence the war?
France provided diplomatic and military support to the Biafran separatists, which prolonged the conflict and caused significant friction in Anglo-French diplomatic relations.
How did the war affect Nigeria's relationship with Ghana?
The relationship hit a low point because Ghana remained neutral and maintained a stance that some in Nigeria perceived as tacit support for the Biafran cause.
- Citation du texte
- Osadola Oluwaseun Samuel (Auteur), 2012, Diplomacy in the context of the Nigeria Civil War, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/202625
