A review of U.S. Department of Justice filings has uncovered a coordinated lobbying effort by pro-Biafra groups in the United States, revealing a campaign to influence American policy toward Nigeria through claims of a “Christian genocide.”
Documents obtained and reviewed by The Guardian newspaper, filed under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), detail the activities of a coalition of separatist groups, including the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) and the Biafra De Facto Government in the Homeland.
The filings show the groups have retained the lobbying firm Moran Global Strategies (MGS), led by former U.S. Congressman Jim Moran, to advance their agenda in Washington. The Guardian’s review of the documents indicates that MGS has developed ties with the office of Senator Ted Cruz, who recently accused the Nigerian government of enabling a “massacre” of Christians.
This lobbying campaign is believed to have influenced the Trump administration’s recent decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom, a move that has strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
According to the documents reviewed by The Guardian, representatives of the pro-Biafra groups and MGS signed a joint declaration in Lahti, Finland, in December 2024, which asserted that Nigeria is engaged in a “genocidal onslaught” against Biafrans and Christians.
Notable signatories included Simon Ekpa, the Finnish-based separatist leader recently jailed for six years in Finland on multiple charges, including terrorism-related offenses. Other signatories were Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, listed as Deputy Prime Minister, and Diane Emeh, listed as Secretary of Finance and Investments, both U.S. citizens.
The documents reveal a sophisticated strategy tailored to American political audiences, particularly conservative groups aligned with President Trump. The lobbying materials argue that supporting Biafra would counter China’s influence in Africa while protecting Christians allegedly “under siege” in Nigeria.
Security analysts quoted in The Guardian’s report warn that such campaigns can heighten ethnic tensions within Nigeria and shape international perceptions based on selective narratives. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Professor Bolaji Akinyemi expressed concern that the genocide allegations could damage Nigeria’s global reputation and diplomatic ties.
The FARA filings describe the group’s activities as including leadership of Biafran citizens in the diaspora, fundraising, humanitarian assistance, and political appointments. The investigation notes that the movement claims control over “40 confederating states” following an internal vote held throughout 2024.
The revelation comes amid ongoing security challenges in Nigeria and represents a significant development in understanding how diaspora groups are negatively attempting to influence international policy toward Africa’s most populous nation.
Discussion about this post