A Step Toward Justice: The BRGIE's Dialogue with U.S. Lawmakers

On September 10, 2025

Ogechukwu Nkere, the Acting Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), met with Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (D-NJ)

Written by Nnamdi Iheukwumere

In a quiet but potentially transformative encounter on September 10, 2025, Ogechukwu Nkere, the Acting Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), met with Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) to discuss shared interests between the Biafran entity and the United States government. This meeting, held amid ongoing tensions in Nigeria's southeast, underscores a growing international spotlight on Biafran self-determination efforts, human rights abuses, and the role of U.S. foreign policy in West Africa. As the world watches Nigeria grapple with internal divisions, such diplomatic overtures signal that the Biafran cause—long dismissed as a relic of the past civil war—is evolving into a modern geopolitical conversation.

For context, the BRGIE positions itself as the legitimate administrative body for a would-be independent Biafra, operating from outside Nigeria to advocate for the region's secession. Established in the wake of renewed separatist sentiments, it draws on the historical grievances of the Igbo people and other ethnic groups in Biafraland, who endured a devastating war that claimed millions of lives. Today, BRGIE's activities include lobbying for international recognition, as evidenced by recent self-referendums and structural reforms aimed at aligning with global governance standards. Nkere's briefing to McIver covered the core Biafran narrative: a region marginalized by Nigeria's federal system, plagued by economic neglect, and facing security crackdowns that have led to widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions.

Central to the discussion was the plight of imprisoned Biafran political activists, whose cases highlight Nigeria's fraught human rights record. Figures like Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have been detained on charges ranging from treason to terrorism, often under circumstances criticized as politically motivated. Kanu's 2021 "extraordinary rendition" from Kenya, exemplifies the Nigerian government's hardline stance against separatists. More recently, Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Biafran activist associated with Biafran advocacy, was sentenced in Finland for promoting independence through alleged illegal means—yet the ruling implicitly acknowledged the legitimacy of Biafran self-determination aspirations when pursued peacefully. Nkere urged McIver to leverage U.S. influence for their release, arguing that American intervention could pressure Nigeria to uphold democratic norms and international law.

Equally pressing was Nkere's call for Congress to block future arms sales to Nigeria. This is no fringe demand; it echoes longstanding concerns from human rights organizations about how U.S.-supplied weapons might enable abuses by Nigerian forces. Despite Nigeria's ongoing battles with insurgencies like Boko Haram, recent U.S. approvals of multimillion-dollar deals—such as a $346 million package in 2025—have drawn criticism for overlooking documented civilian harm and military excesses. Historical precedents, including a $1 billion sale in 2022 approved amid similar worries, show a pattern where security objectives trump accountability. If the U.S. is serious about promoting stability in Africa, it must condition aid on verifiable reforms, rather than fueling a cycle of repression that only bolsters separatist resolve.

Nkere also floated potential agreements between a future Biafran state and the U.S., hinting at economic partnerships, security collaborations, and mutual benefits in trade. This forward-looking pitch aligns with BRGIE's vision of Biafra as a viable, independent nation. Finally, the conversation touched on engaging the Biafran-American diaspora, a community McIver represents in her New Jersey district, which includes diverse populations in Newark and surrounding areas. With significant African immigrant constituencies, McIver's role makes her a natural bridge—though her own recent legal challenges, including a 2025 indictment related to a confrontation at an immigration facility, add layers to her advocacy on human rights and detention issues.

This meeting arrives at a critical juncture. Biafran activism has gained momentum, with upcoming events like a congressional hearing on Biafra scheduled for September 18, 2025, signaling broader U.S. interest. Yet, Nigeria's response—marked by arrests and military operations—risks escalating conflict rather than resolving it. The U.S., as a global leader in democracy promotion, should seize this opportunity to advocate for dialogue over suppression. Blocking unchecked arms transfers isn't anti-Nigerian; it's pro-human rights, ensuring American taxpayer dollars don't subsidize abuses. Moreover, supporting the release of political prisoners like Kanu could de-escalate tensions and foster negotiations, potentially averting another humanitarian crisis in West Africa.

Nkere's gratitude to McIver for the opportunity reflects a pragmatic optimism amid exile. But words must lead to action. Congress should investigate these issues thoroughly, perhaps through hearings that include diverse voices from Nigeria's government, Biafran advocates, and human rights experts. Ignoring Biafra's grievances invites instability; addressing them head-on could model peaceful self-determination in an era of rising global fragmentation. The U.S. has the leverage—now is the time to use it wisely.