Biafra was formally recognized by Gabon, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Zambia. Other nations, which did not give official recognition but provided support and assistance to Biafra, included France, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Rhodesia, South Africa, and Vatican City.[a] Biafra received aid from non-state actors, including Joint Church Aid, Holy Ghost Fathers of Ireland,[3] and under their direction Caritas International,[4] and U.S. Catholic Relief Services.[5] Médecins Sans Frontières also originated in response to the suffering.