Western quiet on illegal detention of Kanu, Ekpa, and Ayaba: a tacit sanction of Africa’s shackles

The cases of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Dr. Cho Ayaba, and Prime Minister Simon Ekpa are emblematic of this troubling trend.

Western quiet on illegal detention of Kanu, Ekpa, and Ayaba: a tacit sanction of Africa's shackles Western quiet on illegal detention of Kanu, Ekpa, and Ayaba: a tacit sanction of Africa's shackles

WESTERN SILENCE ON THE UNLAWFUL DETENTION OF MAZI NNAMDI KANU, DR. CHO AYABA, AND SIMON EKPA: A TACIT APPROVAL OF AFRICA’S SHACKLES

In the contemporary narrative of global politics, the quest for African liberation from the lingering chains of slavery and neocolonialism stands starkly against the backdrop of Western silence and complicity. The Western world, often celebrated as the bastion of democracy and human rights, has displayed a notable reticence when supporting African nations and leaders striving for autonomy and self-determination.

The cases of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Dr. Cho Ayaba, and Prime Minister Simon Ekpa are emblematic of this troubling trend. These figures, advocating for the liberation of their people, have faced incarceration and oppression, often with little to no outcry from Western capitals. Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been detained since 2021 under circumstances that breach international law and human rights standards. Similarly, Dr. Cho Ayaba’s efforts towards independence in Southern Cameroon have met with suppression. At the same time, Simon Ekpa’s advocacy for Biafran rights has not escaped the harsh response from authorities, ostensibly supported by external silence or indifference.

This silence speaks volumes about the duplicity of Western nations in truly envisioning an Africa free from the shackles of past and current forms of exploitation. The Western narrative often portrays these leaders as threats to regional stability or as separatists, conveniently ignoring the underlying issues of self-determination and the historical injustices they seek to address. This portrayal serves to justify inaction or, worse, active support for regimes that maintain a status quo beneficial to Western interests.

The systematic genocide in regions like Biafra, where the quest for separation from Nigeria has led to severe human rights violations, further underscores the hypocrisy. The recent execution of 200 Congolese youths, accused of war crimes in a context of ongoing conflict and exploitation, highlights another grim facet of this narrative. These incidents are not isolated; they are part of a broader pattern where the West has failed to act decisively or even acknowledge the scale of human rights abuses occurring under the guise of maintaining ‘order’ or ‘security.’

The United Nations, often seen as the global defender of human rights, has also been criticized for its tepid response to these violations. This has led to a growing consensus among African voices that the freedom and liberation of the continent cannot be entrusted to these international bodies, which seem compromised by geopolitical interests. The notion that “freedom is given rather freedom is taken” rings particularly true here. The power dynamics at play suggest that liberation must be seized through determination and unity, not through waiting for external validation or support that might never come.

Africa’s history is replete with examples of liberation movements that have had to rely on their own strength and resolve to break free from colonial and neocolonial grips. Today, the call for Africans to “arise and save yourselves” is not just a rallying cry; it is a recognition of the reality that the path to true freedom must be carved by Africans themselves. This self-reliance is not an endorsement of isolationism but a necessary acknowledgement that external powers have historically prioritized their interests over African sovereignty and human rights.

The implications of this silence and complicity go beyond the immediate political and humanitarian crises. They touch on the moral and ethical responsibilities of nations that claim to uphold human rights universally. The selective application of these principles when it comes to Africa not only undermines the credibility of these Western nations but also fuels a narrative of distrust and disillusion among African peoples about the true intentions behind Western policies and interventions.

As Africa continues to navigate its complex post-colonial realities, the need for internal solidarity, robust leadership, and grassroots movements becomes increasingly clear. The liberation sought by many on the continent is not just from physical shackles but from economic, cultural, and political subjugation that persists in various forms. The message is clear: if Africa is to break free truly, it must look inward, mobilize its own resources, and galvanize its people towards a collective goal of genuine liberation.

May I end this piece by acknowledging that the silence of the West in the face of Africa’s cries for liberation and justice is a loud testament to the ongoing struggle against neocolonialism and for true sovereignty? The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but it is a path that Africans know they must tread themselves, with or without the world’s approval or assistance. The resolve to claim freedom, as history has shown, often starts with those who dare to stand up and say, “Enough!”

 

Written By: Mazi Obinna Victor Uzoaganaobi
[USB-Information Telecommunications And Postal Services-ITPS]

 

Date: January 15, 2025
Ubochi Afo Ani
Published by Ugwu Okechukwu (CEO Obinwannem Foundation)

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