Article

What about African atrocities?

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

TWO weeks ago, American comedian Bill Maher made a bold statement on his television show, condemning the world’s apparent indifference to the ongoing slaughter of Christians in Nigeria.

Despite our differing political views, I hold deep admiration and respect for Maher, whose unapologetic stance on economic and political issues has earned him a place among my favourite American public figures.

Maher’s remarks weren’t new. He reignited a conversation that others have raised before—but one that continues to be ignored in the elite circles.

In northern Nigeria, Islamic terrorists are systematically massacring thousands of Christians. The horror is unimaginable, driven by the extremist group Boko Haram, which has long operated in that region.

According to International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), Islamic terrorists have killed more than 125 000 Christians since 2009. In the same period, 19 100 churches were razed. Yet, despite this staggering toll, the global media and elite circles remain silent. The killings persist, and the world looks away.

The Nigerian government’s failure to protect its citizens from Islamic terrorism is a scandal that should be dominating headlines, especially in Africa. Thousands of innocent, defenceless women and children are being slaughtered in Nigeria, and the silence is deafening.

What’s most disheartening is that even African media, political leaders, and influential voices are turning a blind eye to the Nigeria atrocities.

While South Africa’s government is fixated on Middle Eastern ethnic conflicts, Africa itself is plagued by horrific violence that demands urgent attention.

These conflicts are deepening poverty across the African continent, which is already the poorest in the world. As I’ve written before, Africa’s governance is in dire condition and needs a fix. Yet, for South Africa’s government —especially in South Africa—the Middle East seems to take precedence.

Let’s be honest: if Africans don’t care about Africa’s problems, why should the rest of the world? It won’t.

And Mozambique?

Just beyond South Africa’s borders, in Mozambique, Islamic terrorists are committing atrocities against innocent civilians in the region of Cabo Delgado. These atrocities could easily spill over into South Africa.

There may already be terror-linked organisations operating within South Africa. If they were to strike, would we be prepared? I doubt it. Our military has been in steady decline for the past 30 years.

What about the Sudan humanitarian crisis?

And then there’s Sudan—an African nation gripped by a war whose humanitarian crisis rivals, if not exceeds, that of Gaza.

Sudan’s war began in April 2023. It has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands more. Yet again, the world is focused on the Middle East.

Hypocrisy abounds. Outrage and concern over human rights are often selective, driven by political convenience rather than genuine empathy.

It’s politically profitable wars that attract attention. When black people kill other black people, the world shrugs. But when racial lines are crossed, outrage erupts. Let’s be honest: if the Sudanese war involved white and black combatants, the world would have paid attention. And the Middle East war between Israel and Hamas has attracted the biggest attention because it’s fought by Jews. It’s a sickening reflection of global bias and prejudice.

In conclusion

We face a monumental challenge. Those who strive to approach issues objectively must work tirelessly to educate a world steeped in selective narratives and indoctrination.

Many of the world’s problems defy quick solutions, yet people cling to rhetoric without critical thought. Africans must understand: if we don’t care about our continent, we are doomed. Why should others care when we don’t?

Africa holds some of the world’s most pressing problems—and the solutions lie within us as Africans. The Middle East must resolve its own ethnic and religious issues. It’s a region with rich powerful nations like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar. Our focus as Africans must be Africa.

South Africa, the strongest nation in Sub-Saharan Africa, should be using its influence to stabilise the region and build a prosperous future.

President Cyril Ramaphosa should be taking the lead in the efforts to end African conflicts, stabilise the region to make it more investable.

Fellow Africans, let us turn our attention inward. Through discipline and determination, we can overcome our challenges in Africa. The talent and resilience are there —we simply need to focus and set our priorities right. PM

This article was first published on Politicsweb.co.za. Buy Phumlani’s book Lessons from Past Heroes here, and subscribe to his YouTube channel here.

© PHUMLANI M. MAJOZI