I asked yesterday whether we are making the status quo uncomfortable enough in Africa? Three of my friends responded that we are not doing that and they gave reasons why. However, I do not totally agree with them because few countries in Africa make the status quo uncomfortable.
Take for example, South Africa. I give it up to SA (dubbed the protest capital of the world) when it comes to protesting and asking for their rights. They know how to carry out service delivery protests although their protests can be violent. They need to work on that. But for many other African countries including Nigeria, we need to create a culture of peaceful protest.
The last time I visited Nigeria, I kept wondering why people couldn’t organize themselves and protest about what they don’t like in their community especially the big potholes that litter the streets and roads. Why can’t we protest peacefully in our communities like we did, back in the days on our campuses when we used to sing “solidarity forever, we shall always fight for our rights.” and say with passion “A luta continua, vitoria e certa.” Before we began marching to VC’s office, we would listen to the motivating speeches and rallying call of our leaders.
Such thought leaders and activists are desperately needed to help organize peaceful social protests and assembly in our communities. If we don’t protest, politicians will assume we are fine whereas we are suffering and smiling.
