Read on Twitter
MASSOB: Para or ‘Paradiplomacy’?
A thread
https://www.774ngr.com/2021/04/24/massob-para-or-paradiplomacy/
A thread
https://www.774ngr.com/2021/04/24/massob-para-or-paradiplomacy/
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra put out a statement rejecting the United Kingdom’s offer of asylum for its members who might be persecuted for their peaceful role in seeking secession.
MASSOB said the offer was meant to "divert the attention of the people of Biafra".
Many other things were said and they all sounded pointless.
One problem with groups like MASSOB and IPOB is the extent to which they seem guided by those who prioritize emotional expression and throwing of tantrums over coldblooded commitment to useful Subnational strategy and long-term goals.
Why do we need to explain to a MASSOB that excellent use of International Relations could be a major lever it uses to get results?
At what point did MASSOB, IPOB, and Co decide that being Cantankerous to everyone was a strategy and how long is it going to take them to grasp that it is an utterly pointless attitude?
How is being cantankerous and quarrelsome with everyone from neighboring southern regions, unconvinced Igbos, and foreign countries and governments supposed to get the desired results?
What exactly is the goal here? Emotional release or achievement of safety, freedom, and economic development of the people and region? They are going to have to pick one and be prepared to sacrifice the other because you don't get to eat your cake and have it in this situation.
IPOB, MASSOB, and Co should develop a significant capacity for international relations.
International Relations studies the key motivations, issues, and players in world politics, intrinsic political patterns, and figures out how to place your needs within the context of how relevant nations and organizations plan to achieve their own goals.
This also goes for the Southern states and regions as well.
As the world gets more complex, national diplomatic resources in even the stable and united countries are increasingly unable to adequately push the cases of all subnational interests.
And Nigeria's diplomatic resource and purpose is focused on pushing the case of Northern Nigeria which means that the SouthEast, Southwest, South-South, and Middle-Belt must develop an institutional capacity that lets them forge productive and mutually beneficial relationships…
…with countries, regions, and organizations around the world.
This act of subnational or regional entities being involved in international relations is called Paradiplomacy. It allows Regions, Federal States, Provinces, and even Cities to push for their goals about trade, investments, security, politics, etc.
MASSOB, IPOB, and Southern Nigeria, in general, must build institutions with the technical skills and mindset needed to have clarity on the purposes and inclinations of the rest of the world and identify the best ways to get them on their side.
There should be a properly equipped and guided interface with the rest of the world.
