Security Should Be Handled Collectively
Until we begin to collectively confront this problem head-on as Africans; we are all not safe.
An old African proverb says, “if you notice your neighbor’s beard is on fire, then you better get some water by yours.” Simply put, it implies that you cannot be unconcerned about what happens around you, because sooner than later, you will be directly affected. Thus, an individual who witnesses their neighbors’ beard on fire and does not act proactively to redeem the situation, will sooner than later be faced with a similar or worse predicament.
The recent escalation of shootings and violent extremism attacks on the African continent, especially, West Africa leaves much to be desired. The earlier our African leaders stepped up to their duty and confront these incidents, the better for all of us. Mind you, it will not just be limited to innocent citizens, but it might get to your(leaders) doorstep and you might say the timeless creed “had I known is always at last”.
Notable local violent extremist groups with international links like Boko Haram that operates in West Africa and Al-Shabaab whose activities are embedded in East Africa are gaining momentum and spreading across many countries in Africa.
Most of our African leaders are only reactive and not proactive in solving our security problems. They regurgitate the same speech they have been using to send their condolences to the bereaved families, time and time again. Can speeches and words of condolences bring back the dead? Can’t the leaders do enough to once and for all stop this carnage?
One of the famous kidnappings that shook the world was the Chibok girls’ who were captured in a boarding school in 2014 in Nigeria. This incident drew worldwide condemnation and led to a movement #BringBackOurGirls. All lives matter, one life is too precious to be lost. These organisations at times seek ransom in order to release the innocent victims. Those who have the money sometimes pay it off just to get their loved ones back. Imagine the trauma they would have endured in the hands of these bandits.
In West Africa, for instance, terrorist attacks have now spread almost throughout the sub region. Schools are targeted. Places of worship like churches, mosques are targeted. Shopping malls are not left behind; people on the street face the casualty, and many other mass gatherings. What can we then do? Where should we run to?
Terrorism is an expensive venture. The question that people keep asking is how are they able to secure sophisticated weapons, bombs, patrol vehicles and communication equipment? Who funds these organisations? Where do they really get their motivation from? Until we go to the root cause of the matter, we are far from eliminating this endemic canker from our society.
Our loved ones are dying of no fault of theirs. Their only crime is that they wanted to have education or worship their creator and they bequeathed their security in the hands of leaders whom they have elected to ensure their security.
The US Senator, Chris Murphy, asked his colleagues a question after the school shooting that claimed 21 lives in Ulvada, Texas. He said, “What are we doing”? Our African leaders should ask themselves the same question, “What are we doing”?
Until we begin to collectively confront this problem head-on as Africans; we are all not safe.
Dr Kwame Nkrumah advocated for a United Africa and an African standing army to help deal with all security challenges. His ideas were quashed and all that he predicted are unfolding. It might get worse if we refuse to act NOW.
Final Thoughts
Our leaders must take full responsibility for the security of their citizens and not to shift blame. Again, we should all pull our efforts together as Africans to work hand-in-hand thus protecting our own selves. Remember, when you don’t care that your neighbour’s house is robbed, the next robbery will be you. Let’s care for one another and help eliminate this cancer of “shootings and terrorism from our continent”.
