Tanzania’s Recognition Of Biafra Condemned

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31654, 15 April 1968, Page 9

Tanzania’s Recognition Of Biafra Condemned

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) LAGOS, April 14. Nigeria has reacted sharply to Tanzania’s recognition of secessionist Biafra with the immediate announcement of steps to withdraw its diplomatic mission from Dar Es Salaam.

A Nigerian Federal Government statement released last night describes Tanzania’s move as “a hostile act by a country it has sincerely treated as a friend.” Tanzania yesterday declared that it regarded Biafra, the breakaway eastern region of Nigeria, as “an independent sovereign entity,” and thus became the first State to recognise the Biafran regime. Eastern Nigeria, under

Lieutenant-Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, seceded from Nigeria in May of last year and, as Biafra, is engaged in bitter struggle with the Federal Government. Tanzania’s decision was announced by Mr Chediel Mgonja, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, at a hastily summoned press conference at State House, the official residence of President Nyerere. Nigeria said the Tanzanian move was contrary to the terms of the charter of the Organisation for African Unity, and its principle of respect for the territorial integrity of member countries. The statement, issued from the headquarters of the Federal leader, Major-General Yakubu Gowon, also accused Tanzania of providing Biafrans with arms and guerrilla training. Observers said the reaction by other African States, particularly in East Africa, to the Tanzanian recognition would be important to the outcome of the Biafran diplomatic offensive. They said Tanzania’s action could give

Biafra a platform in international organisations, including the United Nations, and could cause severe friction in the O.A.U.