Newly released U.S. Department of Justice filings show that pro-Biafra advocacy groups played a significant role in pushing U.S. President Donald Trump to label Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’.
According to the documents, organisations linked to the “United States of Biafra” — including the Biafra Republic Government in Exile — lobbied U.S. conservatives by framing Biafra’s cause as a defence of Christians and a counterweight to China’s influence in Africa. The groups, registered under FARA, targeted Trump-aligned policymakers.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz amplified these claims in a video on X, alleging that no country persecutes Christians more than Nigeria and citing years of extremist attacks.
The filings also outline the groups’ internal structure, diaspora-led leadership, fundraising efforts, and a 2024 declaration signed in Finland accusing Nigeria of genocide. Signatories included Simon Ekpa — currently imprisoned in Finland for terrorism-related offences — and two U.S.-based leaders.
The documents suggest the movement focuses more on international legitimacy than domestic support. Their lobbying coincided with growing pressure on Washington over Nigeria’s security crisis. Abuja has rejected genocide allegations, insisting that both Christians and Muslims are victims of widespread insecurity.
