Pro-Biafra Group Takes Fresh Case to US, Makes New Demand Over Nigeria

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The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has appealed to the United States government not to renew its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nigeria on cultural property, citing alleged persecution of Christians and pro-Biafra supporters.

ZINGTIE reports that the appeal was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Ogechukwu Nkere, who recently succeeded Simon Ekpa as the group’s Prime Minister.

Nkere addressed the US State Department’s Cultural Property Advisory Committee during a hearing on Nigeria’s request for an extension of the MOU and the continuation of US import restrictions on Nigerian archaeological and ethnological artefacts.

He argued that Nigeria’s alleged treatment of Christians and pro-Biafra groups should be taken into account before any decision is reached on the agreement.

Nkere also referred to the US government’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” while presenting his submission before the committee.

“Unless the Federal Government of Nigeria ends its persecution of Biafrans and Nigerian Christians, the MOU should be suspended until Nigeria is in alignment with broader US government priorities,” Nkere said.

He added:

“An MOU with the US government, even on cultural property matters, is a privilege and not a right.”

The BRGIE described the appearance as a landmark moment, claiming it marked the first time a Biafran independence representative had testified before the US State Department’s Cultural Property Advisory Committee.

ZINGTIE reports that the committee advises the US government on issues relating to cultural property agreements and import restrictions under applicable international conventions.

The latest development comes amid discussions surrounding the recent letter reportedly sent by US President Donald Trump to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The contents of the correspondence have continued to generate debate, particularly among opposition figures, including former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, who recently challenged the Tinubu administration to release the complete version of Trump’s letter.

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