THE OAU AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN THE NIGERIA CIVIL WAR

THE OAU AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN THE NIGERIA CIVIL WAR

ABSTRACT

This work examines the role organization of African unity played in conflict management of Nigeria civil war from 1967-1970. After the end of colonial era in Nigeria, the emergence of political party triggered the conflict between the three tribes in Nigeria from the NCNC, AG and NPC. The killing of Major General Aguiyi Ironsi who tries to move for unitary system of government and the killings of thousands of Ibo’s all around northern and western part of Nigeria and making the country unconducive for the ibo’s. Colonel Ojukwu been the governor of the eastern part of Nigeria demanded the return of ibo’s back to eastern region. After the death of Major General Aguiyi Ironsi, Leiutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon emerged as the Head of State. After the meeting in 1966 Aburi in Gold Coast between Ojukwu and Gowon the reach a dialogue. On May 30th 1966 Ojukwu declared Biafra an independent State, after some meetings against the secession which failed leads to the outburst of civil war. The OAU which was created for the unity of the African countries under the chairmanships of Emperor Haile Selassie, President Ahidjo, President Ankrah and President Diori. The OAU is, by design and constitution, an essentially conservative organization. It is anti-secessionist, anti-interventionist, and anti-border changes. Such an Organization must face up to the questions of change and destruction that the normal social process inevitably involves, that is, whether or not to recognize a change in a concrete situation and if not, what concerted action should be taken to frustrate the change. The OAU decided not to recognize the change in the Nigerian situation inherent in Biafra’s demand for secession