There Was a Country

1. Achebe's early life and education shaped his literary journey

I still marvel at how wholeheartedly they embraced strangers from thousands of miles away, with their different customs and beliefs.

Multicultural upbringing: Achebe was born in 1930 in Nigeria, at a cultural crossroads between traditional Igbo culture and Western influences. His parents were early Christian converts who valued education, exposing him to both traditional African storytelling and Western literature.

Educational journey:

• Attended prestigious Government College, Umuahia
• Studied at University College, Ibadan
• Exposed to works of Shakespeare, Dickens, and African writers

Literary awakening: At university, Achebe realized the need for authentic African stories told from an African perspective. This realization led him to write his groundbreaking novel "Things Fall Apart," which challenged Western stereotypes about Africa and became a cornerstone of African literature.

2. The march to Nigerian independence brought hope and challenges

We had no doubt where we were going. We were going to inherit freedom—that was all that mattered.

Optimism and nationalism: The 1950s saw a surge of nationalist movements across Africa, with Nigeria gaining independence in 1960. There was widespread excitement and hope for a bright future as Nigerians took control of their destiny.

Key figures and movements:

• Nnamdi Azikiwe: "Father of Nigerian Nationalism"
• National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)
• Action Group led by Obafemi Awolowo
• Northern People's Congress (NPC)

Emerging challenges: Despite the optimism, Nigeria faced significant hurdles:

• Ethnic tensions between major groups (Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani)
• Regional rivalries and power struggles
• Economic disparities and resource control issues
• Legacy of colonial administrative structures

3. Political tensions and coups led to the Biafran War

On January 15, 1966, a pivotal day in the history of Nigeria, members of the Society of Nigerian Authors happened to be gathered for a meeting.

Escalating crisis: The first few years of independence were marked by political instability, corruption, and ethnic tensions. This culminated in a series of events that led to the Biafran War:

1. January 1966 coup: Led by mostly Igbo officers, killed prominent Northern leaders
2. July 1966 counter-coup: Northern officers seized power, widespread killings of Igbos
3. Mass exodus: Igbos fled to the Eastern Region amid pogroms and violence
4. Failed negotiations: Aburi Accord and other attempts at reconciliation broke down
5. May 30, 1967: Eastern Region declared independence as the Republic of Biafra

Key figures:

• General Yakubu Gowon: Nigeria's head of state
• Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu: Biafran leader

The stage was set for a brutal civil war that would last nearly three years and result in millions of deaths.

4. The role of writers and intellectuals in shaping African narratives

I believe that it is impossible to write anything in Africa without some kind of commitment, some kind of message, some kind of protest.

Reclaiming African stories: Achebe and his contemporaries felt a moral obligation to challenge Western stereotypes about Africa and tell authentic African stories. This led to the emergence of a vibrant African literary tradition.

Key aspects of African writing:

• Use of African languages and oral traditions
• Exploration of cultural clash and colonialism
• Addressing contemporary social and political issues
• Celebration of African history and culture

Notable figures:

• Wole Soyinka: Nigerian playwright and Nobel laureate
• Christopher Okigbo: Poet and close friend of Achebe
• Ngugi wa Thiong'o: Kenyan writer who advocated writing in African languages

The writers saw themselves as not just artists, but as social critics and agents of change, using their work to address the pressing issues facing their societies.

5. The Republic of Biafra: A brief experiment in self-determination

For most of us within Biafra our new nation was a dream that had become reality—a republic, in the strict definition of the word.

Biafran aspirations: The secession of Biafra was driven by a desire for safety, self-determination, and the protection of Igbo interests. The new nation quickly established its own institutions:

• Flag: Red, black, and green with a rising sun
• Currency: Biafran pound
• National anthem: "Land of the Rising Sun"
• Government structures and military

Innovations under pressure:

• Development of local refineries
• Creation of armaments (e.g., Ogbunigwe bombs)
• Establishment of Radio Biafra for communication

Challenges: Despite initial optimism, Biafra faced enormous obstacles:

• International isolation (only recognized by 5 countries)
• Nigerian military offensives and blockade
• Humanitarian crisis and widespread starvation

The Biafran experiment lasted from 1967 to 1970, ending in defeat but leaving a lasting impact on Nigerian and African history.

6. The humanitarian crisis and international response to the Biafran War

By the beginning of the dry season of 1968, Biafran civilians and soldiers alike were starving. Bodies lay rotting under the hot sun by the roadside, and the flapping wings of scavengers could be seen circling, waiting, watching patiently nearby.

Scale of suffering: The Biafran War resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 20th century. Estimates suggest that between 1-3 million people died, mostly from starvation due to the Nigerian blockade.

International response:

• Media coverage: First televised famine, shocking images of starving children
• Aid organizations: Red Cross, Caritas, World Council of Churches provided relief
• Airlifts: Operation Biafra Babies delivered supplies to besieged Biafra
• Celebrity involvement: Fundraising concerts and awareness campaigns

Geopolitical considerations: The response was complicated by Cold War politics:

• UK and Soviet Union supported Nigeria
• France provided limited support to Biafra
• US officially neutral but allowed humanitarian aid

The crisis sparked debates about the responsibility of the international community in internal conflicts and the ethics of humanitarian intervention.

7. The aftermath of the war and Nigeria's painful transitions

Within six years of this tragic colonial manipulation Nigeria was a cesspool of corruption and misrule. Public servants helped themselves freely to the nation's wealth.

Immediate aftermath:

• Gowon's "No victor, no vanquished" policy
• Reintegration of Biafrans into Nigeria
• Economic challenges and reconstruction

Ongoing issues:

• Political instability and military coups
• Corruption and mismanagement of oil wealth
• Ethnic tensions and regional inequalities
• Environmental degradation in the Niger Delta

Attempts at reform:

• Return to civilian rule (1979, 1999)
• Anti-corruption campaigns
• Constitutional reforms

Despite significant oil wealth, Nigeria has struggled to achieve stable democracy and equitable development, grappling with the legacies of colonialism, civil war, and military rule.

8. Lessons from Biafra: The importance of unity and good governance

After a war life catches desperately at passing hints of normalcy like vines entwining a hollow twig; its famished roots close on rubble and every piece of broken glass.

Reconciliation challenges: The Biafran War left deep scars on Nigerian society, highlighting the need for genuine reconciliation and addressing root causes of conflict.

Key lessons:

• Importance of inclusive governance and power-sharing
• Danger of ethnic polarization and marginalization
• Need for equitable resource distribution
• Value of strong democratic institutions

Path forward: Achebe argues for:

• Cultivating national unity while respecting diversity
• Promoting education and critical thinking
• Combating corruption at all levels
• Empowering civil society and independent media
• Learning from positive African examples (e.g., Nelson Mandela)

The Biafran experience serves as a cautionary tale but also an opportunity for Nigeria to build a more just and stable society. Achebe's work continues to inspire reflection on Nigeria's past and future.

Last updated: January 24, 2025