Non-Fiction
1 Best Non-Fiction Book About Nigerian Civil War
Histories, biographies and reference works are listed separately from the historical novels above.
War
Nigerian Civil War
6 July 1967–15 January 1970
The Nigerian Civil War began after the Eastern Region declared the independent Republic of Biafra in May 1967. The crisis followed military coups, the killing of political leaders, anti-Igbo massacres and the failure of negotiations over Nigeria’s constitutional future.
Federal forces gradually reduced Biafran territory while a blockade restricted food, medicine and fuel. Images of starving civilians made the conflict an international humanitarian issue, but foreign governments differed sharply over recognition, arms supplies and relief.
Biafra surrendered in January 1970. There Was a Country combines Achebe’s personal experience with an interpretation of the war’s political origins, cultural mobilisation, diplomacy and continuing place in Nigerian memory.
