A Paradox of International Criminal Justice: The Biafra Genocide

Abstract

Although early exploits of the international criminal tribunals seem promising, a unique empirical evaluation of its impact in global applications of criminal justice proves defective. A well-intentioned pursuit of criminal justice will ensure consistency and stability in the enforcement of the international humanitarian laws and principles to prevent impunity in situations of war or armed conflict. This study makes a trans-national evaluation of effectiveness of the criminal justice system with particular reference to issues that derive from the Nigeria–Biafra (Biafra) war. The framework of analyses is based on genocidal issues and incidences of war crimes highlighted in Chinua Achebe’s There was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra and related literature on the Biafra war.