An Austrian economist and NATO enlargement advocate, Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn, has called on the European Union and the United States to recognise a “Biafra Republic,” describing Nigeria as a “failed state” and urging Western powers to apologise for their role in the 1967–1970 civil war.
Fehlinger, who describes himself as Chairman of the Austrian Committee for NATO Enlargement for Austria, Ukraine, Kosovo, Bosnia and the European Union, made the appeal in a social media post that has since generated reactions across diplomatic and political circles.
“I call the EU to recognise the Biafra Republic emerging out of failed Ex-Nigeria. We failed Biafra in 1967 to 1970 during their liberation war to our eternal shame,” he wrote, adding that the international community should “apologise by recognising Biafra’s independence.”
The activist accused what he called “Nigerian oligarchs backed by British and French oil interests” of perpetuating the suffering of people in the South-East region, saying Western powers must take responsibility for their inaction during the Biafra conflict more than five decades ago.
While his comments have sparked online debate, fact-checking outlets have clarified that Fehlinger’s committee is not an official body of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and that he does not hold any formal diplomatic post. NATO has not issued any statement in connection with his remarks.
Fehlinger, who has previously campaigned for Kosovo’s admission into the European Union and NATO, is known for making strong political statements on global issues, including secessionist and self-determination movements in Europe and Africa.
The Nigerian government has not officially responded to his comments as of the time of filing this report.
However, analysts say the statement could reignite discussions on separatist agitations in the South-East, where groups have continued to demand a referendum on Biafra’s self-determination.
Political observers caution that while Fehlinger’s appeal may not carry diplomatic weight, it could influence international perceptions of Nigeria’s unity and governance challenges.
The Republic of Biafra, led by late Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, existed between May 1967 and January 1970 before being reintegrated into Nigeria following a civil war that claimed millions of lives, mostly civilians.
Successive Nigerian governments have maintained that the country’s unity is non-negotiable, insisting that issues of marginalisation should be addressed through dialogue and constitutional reform, not secession.
As at press time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had yet to respond to inquiries on whether it intends to engage the Austrian Embassy over Fehlinger’s remarks.