“We Must Unite”: Chimamanda Adichie Pleads for Igbo Solidarity Amid Rising Violence at Enugu Literature Festival

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie delivered a searing keynote at the Things Fall Apart festival in Enugu, warning that the southeast has lost its warmth and calm, now marred by separatist violence and ritual killings plaguing the Igbo heartland.

Quoting Achebe’s seminal work, the author revealed 700 deaths in four years tied to separatist orders and security clashes, and raised alarm at ritual murders—mostly of women—shattering communal trust. “In Igbo culture, nothing is more sacred than life itself,” she remarked, urging neighbors to confront internal darkness before external threats.

Organized by the Centre for Memories, the inaugural week-long festival marked the 67th anniversary of Things Fall Apart, reimagining Umuofia with theatrical reenactments, interactive art, and the iconic Ajofia masquerade. The vibrant setup reminded attendees of Achebe’s profound cultural impact.

Speaking of unity, Adichie said, “We often speak of political marginalization… but we must clean our own house first. Unity doesn’t mean the absence of differences—it is the decision to come together despite them”.

She lamented the departure from language and tradition, citing the erosion of Igbo naming customs and a drop in native tongues—echoing a broader continental battle for cultural survival.

The festival, running from June 29 to July 5, also included panel discussions, youth-driven essays, cultural installations, and features from the 1987 Things Fall Apart adaptation starring Nkem Owoh.

For many young attendees, the event was more than a celebration—it was a call to action. Janeth Sule described it as “a reminder to preserve culture and tell our stories,” while artisan John Tochukwu said Achebe showed that Igbo identity is grounded in dignity, not darkness