Biafra, known officially as the Republic of Biafra, emerged as a separatist state in West Africa, enduring from May 1967 to January 1970 when it seceded from Nigeria. Its territory encompassed the former eastern region of Nigeria, predominantly inhabited by the Igbo population, now divided into the present south-south and southeastern regions of Africa. Founded by Igbo nationalists, Biafra arose in response to a series of ethnic hostilities that erupted immediately after Nigeria gained independence in 1960, culminating in the 1966 massacres of Igbos and other southern ethnic groups residing in northern Nigeria. Following Biafra's declaration of independence in 1967, Nigeria's military initiated an attack on the country, sparking the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Nigerian-Biafran War. Gabon, Haiti, the Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Zambia have all officially acknowledged Biafra. France, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Rhodesia, South Africa, and the Vatican City were among the countries that withheld recognition from Biafra but provided support and assistance. Biafra received aid from non-state entities such as Joint Church Aid, foreign mercenaries, the Holy Ghost Fathers of Ireland, and Caritas International under their guidance, as well as the United States Catholic Relief Services. In response to the suffering, Médecins Sans Frontières was founded.