When Things Fall Apart: The Nigerian Civil War and Intervention in Humanitarian Crisis with Walter McLean

On War & Society

The Nigerian Civil War which began in 1967 was precipitated by a series of military coups that destabilised the nation. The southeastern Igbo region declared itself the Republic of Biafra, prompting a retaliatory declaration of war and a crippling embargo by Nigeria's military government. The ensuing conflict lasted until 1970, resulting in over 100,000 military casualties and more than a million civilian deaths from ethnic cleansing, malnutrition and disease. Humanitarian efforts provided critical relief for up to two million people.

Amidst the conflict international humanitarian organisations played a crucial role. Kyle Pritchard sits down with Walter McLean to discuss the fragility of post-colonial governments and institutions, the complexities of ethnic nationalism versus territorial integrity, and the challenges faced by international organisations in addressing humanitarian crises when geopolitical interests are at play.

Walter describes the dedication and sacrifice of the ground and aircrew of CANAIRELIEF, one of the largest humanitarian airlifts in history, organised by Joint Church Aid. The mission was vital in protecting countless lives and highlighted the dire need for coordinated global efforts in crisis response. The operation involved nightly flights to deliver food and medical supplies to the besieged population, showcasing remarkable dedication and sacrifice. The tragic loss of four Canadians who died in a crash in August 1969 is commemorated in the CANAIRELIEF memorial plaque at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Toronto.

Walter McLean is the co-founder of the Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO) and was Presbyterian Chaplain to the University of Nigeria between 1962 and 1967. In 1976, he was elected Alderman for the City of Waterloo. He was then the Secretary of State for Canada in 1984, Minister of State and Immigration between 1985 and 86, and Special Representative of African and Commonwealth Affairs between 1987 and 1993. He was also the Commonwealth Observer at the 1994 election in South Africa at the end of apartheid.

Episode host: Kyle Pritchard, Digitial Content Manager at the Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada