Biafra as at 2018 latest news

As of 2018, the latest news on Biafra is as follows:

Nnamdi Kanu's Arrest and Detention: Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested on October 14, 2015, and has been detained ever since. He was arrested in London and extradited to Nigeria, where he was charged with treasonable felony. Kanu has been denied bail multiple times and is currently being held in the Kuje Prison in Abuja.

IPOB's Protests and Clashes: Despite Kanu's detention, IPOB has continued to hold protests and rallies across Nigeria, demanding his release and the independence of Biafra. These protests have often turned violent, resulting in clashes between IPOB members and security forces. In September 2017, the Nigerian military launched a crackdown on IPOB, leading to the deaths of over 100 people.

Biafra Independence Day Celebrations: On May 30, 2018, IPOB members celebrated the 51st anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Biafra, which was declared by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in 1967. The celebrations were marked by protests and rallies across Nigeria, as well as in other countries with significant Igbo populations.

International Pressure: The international community has been increasingly critical of Nigeria's handling of the Biafra crisis. In 2018, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union all expressed concerns about the use of force against IPOB members and the detention of Kanu.

Nigerian Government's Response: The Nigerian government has consistently denied allegations of human rights abuses and has accused IPOB of being a terrorist organization. In 2018, the government launched a new security outfit, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to combat IPOB and other separatist groups in the region.

IPOB's Split: In 2018, a faction of IPOB led by a former member, Chika Edoziem, broke away from the group and formed a new organization, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). This split has led to tensions within the Biafran separatist movement.

Economic Impact: The Biafra crisis has had significant economic implications for Nigeria, particularly in the southeastern region. The crisis has led to a decline in investment and economic activity in the region, as well as a rise in unemployment and poverty.

Overall, the situation in Biafra remains volatile and tense, with both sides refusing to back down. The international community continues to monitor the situation and urge both sides to seek a peaceful resolution.