The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced plans for a peaceful demonstration in Washington, D.C., to draw international attention to what it described as the persecution of Christians and indigenous communities in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by IPOB spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, on behalf of the group’s detained leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the group said the protest would involve members of the Biafran community and other concerned Nigerians in the United States.
Powerful explained that the demonstration was in reaction to reports of an upcoming visit by a Nigerian government delegation to the U.S. to engage policymakers and project what IPOB termed “a misleading image of peace and unity.”
He stressed that the protest would be a “peaceful and lawful expression of conscience,” aimed at exposing human rights violations and drawing global attention to ongoing insecurity across Nigeria.
“We will not allow the same government presiding over the displacement and killings of innocent people to present a false picture of peace and justice while many communities are still suffering,” the statement read.
He emphasized that the protest would not be confrontational, describing it as “a call for a mass, peaceful display of conscience.”
IPOB urged Biafrans, Christians, and indigenous Nigerians living in the U.S. to participate in the rally, while assuring that it would be conducted within the bounds of American law.
“Bring your voice, bring your flag, bring your faith, and bring your courage,” Powerful declared. “Let the world see a sea of solidarity for justice and freedom in the heart of Washington.”
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy for self-determination, human rights protection, and global awareness of alleged persecution in Nigeria, noting that the date and venue of the Washington protest would be announced soon.
