VIENNA (FN) — Austrian economist and NATO advocate Gunther Fehlinger has called on the United States to support the liberation of the Biafra Republic, a move that has stirred diplomatic unease and drawn sharp criticism from Nigerian officials.
Fehlinger made the appeal via social media, urging President Donald Trump and European leaders to recognize Biafra as a sovereign state. He described Nigeria as a “failed state” and referenced the 1967–1970 Biafran War, which claimed over a million lives, as a moment of Western failure.
“We must make up for our failure and endorse the Biafra Republic now,” Fehlinger wrote, tagging U.S. government accounts and Biafran advocacy groups. He also called on the European Union to formally recognize Biafra, framing the issue as a moral obligation for the West.
The Nigerian government swiftly condemned the remarks. Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale dismissed Fehlinger’s statements as “provocative and uninformed,” emphasizing that Nigeria remains committed to national unity and inclusive governance.
Foreign Ministry sources described the comments as “reckless,” warning that external endorsements of secessionist movements could destabilize an already volatile region. Nigeria continues to face internal security challenges, including insurgencies and separatist agitation.
Pro-Biafra groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), welcomed Fehlinger’s remarks as validation of their cause. IPOB spokespersons praised the economist for “speaking truth to power” and called on other Western figures to follow suit.
Security analysts in Abuja cautioned against foreign interference. “Encouraging fragmentation in a complex federation like Nigeria is irresponsible,” said Chika Okeke, a regional security expert. “It risks inflaming ethnic tensions and undermining peace efforts.”
Fehlinger, known for his support of NATO expansion and Western intervention in global conflicts, defended his position in follow-up posts. He argued that backing Biafra aligns with democratic principles and the global fight against authoritarianism.
There has been no official response from the U.S. State Department or the European Commission. Diplomats in Washington and Brussels have historically avoided taking positions on Nigeria’s internal disputes, citing the country’s strategic role in West Africa.
As reactions continue to unfold, Nigerian civil society leaders have urged restraint and dialogue. “We must not allow foreign voices to dictate our future,” said Ifeoma Nwankwo, a Lagos-based human rights advocate. “Nigeria’s unity must be preserved through justice and reform—not external pressure.”
