The Organisation of Emerging African States has declared that the referendum’s results will be a legally binding declaration from Biafrans by international law, amidst the controversy surrounding the highly acclaimed referendum spearheaded by the pro-Biafra agitation led by Simon Ekpa.

The Ekpa-led Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, or BRGIE, takes pride in having conducted referendums online, while the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, the Biafra Zionists Federation, BZF, and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, continue to demand a referendum.

In a six-point resolution dated June 24, 2024, the Director of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OEAS), Ebenezer Akwanga, stated that the BRGIE referendum strengthened the Biafran people’s pursuit of self-determination in the face of decades of alleged marginalisation by the Nigerian government.

He claimed that it supported BRGIE’s referendum, which is scheduled to end on November 29, 2024, and began with electronic voting in February 2024.

Additionally, it used BRGIE’s recent submission of a request for self-determination to the African Union as justification for recognising the Biafra Referendum.

“The African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights guarantees the right to self-determination.”

“Biafra has requested assistance from the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights for the referendum and, should the results indicate it, the peaceful handover of power to the Republic of Biafra.

The integrity of the referendum, which is being held locally at polling places and virtually and is subject to several security measures, has been deemed satisfactory by the OEAS.

“The referendum is scheduled to conclude on November 29, 2024, and millions of Biafrans have already cast their ballots. The results will be verifiable and adhere to international standards.”

“The outcomes of the Biafra Self Referendum will be regarded as legally binding under international law as an unambiguous declaration of the goals and desires of the Biafran people,” declared Akwanga.

This development occurred just one month after the BRGIE, led by Simon Ekpa, forced the Nigerian government to appear before the AU over the ongoing detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, and the acceptance of the Biafra referendum.

He asserted that West Africa would experience long-lasting peace and stability following the Biafra Liberation Declaration on December 2, 2024.

But just a few days ago, Kanu agreed to engage in talks with the federal government to protect his freedom.

More than fifty federal lawmakers support the request for a political solution to end Kanu’s imprisonment, as a result of this development.