The Biafra Republic Government In-Exile (BRGIE) has called on the Nigerian federal government to seek mediation from Finland to resolve the conflict in Biafraland. Simon Ekpa, BRGIE’s prime minister, made this appeal in a statement on Tuesday, expressing concern over the clashes between the Biafra Liberation Army and the Nigerian Army in the region.
Stakeholders have repeatedly urged the Nigerian government to work with the Finnish government to extradite Ekpa, a pro-Biafran agitator who holds Finnish citizenship and is considered the Prime Minister of the Biafra government in exile. The Nigerian Senate also called for Ekpa’s extradition for prosecution in July 2023.
In his statement, Ekpa emphasized the need for dialogue over force, suggesting that Finland could mediate the conflict and facilitate Biafra’s peaceful exit. He noted Finland’s historical role in mediating conflicts in Namibia and South Africa, stressing that not all issues should be resolved through force and threats.