Conflict Memory Education Centre

A large personal archive belonging to the late Jim Hooper has been gifted to my Conflict Memory Education Centre .... I will post a selection of images covering UNITA in Angola, KOEVOET in Namibia, Sudan, Executive Outcomes in Sierra Leone, Chad and Bosnia in the coming months

Jim Hooper, US War Photographer with Captain Paulo Saul near Chicala on the advance toward Cachingues

This is our Conflict Memory Education Centre display today - the heritage celebration event takes place at University of Leicester between 12 - 4 pm - we are also promoting the 'On Heritage' newspaper in development by Independent Heritage Network. Congratulations to Prof Sarah Scott & the Heritage Hub team & Student Ambassadors

Look forward to hosting our table at this wonderful heritage event tomorrow at University of Leicester between 12 - 4 pm promoting the 'On Heritage' newspaper (in development by Independent Heritage Network) and a display from the Conflict Memory Education Centre. Congratulations to Prof Sarah Scott & the Heritage Hub team especially the Student Ambassadors

One week to go .... look forward to hosting our table at this event 12-4pm, promoting the 'On Heritage' newspaper (in development by Independent Heritage Network) and Conflict Memory Education Centre Conflict Reportage Archive

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17twxtk4oK/

My recent report from Katsina State, Northern Nigeria 🇳🇬
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18j7WM3FqU/

Great work, Dodge Billingsley

Interesting how external tensions impact internal divisions

The 1983 Chadian Nigerian War

The conflict that broke out between Chad and Nigeria in April 1983 was short, but it left a deep mark on both countries. It centered on the struggle for control over several islands in Lake Chad, a region where disputes had simmered for many years.

The early nineteen eighties were difficult years for Chad. The country was in the middle of a civil war, with different groups fighting for control. This internal struggle created instability that often spilled across its borders. Nigeria, which shares the Lake Chad boundary with Chad, could not remain untouched by these events. The islands on the lake held economic and strategic value, so disagreements over ownership frequently created tension.

On April 18, 1983, Chadian forces led by Army Chief of Staff Idriss Déby crossed into Nigeria’s Borno State and took control of nineteen islands in Lake Chad. Nigeria responded quickly. President Shehu Shagari ordered the military to push the Chadian troops out. Soldiers from the Third Armoured Division, commanded by General Muhammadu Buhari, were sent to the area. They not only reclaimed the occupied islands but also chased the Chadian forces deep into their own territory. This decisive move showed how determined Nigeria was to protect its borders.

The military action, however, exposed a growing divide within Nigeria’s leadership. There were disagreements between the civilian government and the military about how to handle the situation. President Shagari had attempted to reopen the border because of pressure from traders and smugglers, but the military resisted this instruction. The tension between the two sides revealed how fragile the civilian government had become. Many officers believed the leadership lacked direction and firmness. By the end of the year, these frustrations contributed to the military coup of December 31, 1983, which brought General Buhari to power and ended the Second Republic.

Although the fighting itself did not last long, the 1983 Chadian Nigerian War had lasting effects. It strained relations between the two countries, and it reminded the region of how difficult it can be to manage shared borders and resources. It also showed how external conflicts can deepen internal political problems, especially when there is already tension between civilian leaders and the military.