WHEN THE BULLET FAILED by Henry Chukwuemeka Onyema
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WHEN THE BULLET FAILED
Prose | Historical | 13.41k words
It is 1969. The bloody civil war between Nigeria and Biafra has been raging for two years and the world is shaken by the awful carnage. But both sides have held out despite the steep cost in blood. France under President Charles de Gaulle goes all out to formally recognize Biafra, to the consternation of Britain, Nigeria's former colonial maste...See MoreIt is 1969. The bloody civil war between Nigeria and Biafra has been raging for two years and the world is shaken by the awful carnage. But both sides have held out despite the steep cost in blood. France under President Charles de Gaulle goes all out to formally recognize Biafra, to the consternation of Britain, Nigeria's former colonial master and principal ally. But since there are no permanent friends or foes in international diplomacy, the interests of the antagonistic European powers converge in compelling their protégés to peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Will the war end peacefully? Can France and Britain summon their resources to compel Generals Ojukwu and Gowon to overcome their egos and seek peace? What of the external and internal forces whose interests, hatreds and greed demand continued sacrifice of human blood? Hawks like Biafra's Christopher Mojekwu and Nigeria's Colonel Murtala Muhammed who equate any talk of peace with betrayal ? And how will Soviet Union, determinedly seeking pride of place in Nigeria, respond to the peace moves?
This is the compelling and imaginary story of an alternative end to the Nigerian civil war.