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XENOPHOBIA : SIGNS OF THE FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP




'XENOPHOBIA' a word that has seen increased usage in the past week in social media spaces and similar gatherings; It is said to refer to the hatred of foreigners in a particular country. it is said to basically refer to the hatred of everything foreign. The latest of xenophobic acts have been carried out in South Africa against nationals of Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, etc. It seems the wave of attacks has been strategically orchestrated against anyone not South African. Videos, comments, arguments, and counter-arguments have pervaded the online space; with many condemning the actions, others offering suggestions and some other egg heads defending the mob action with all sorts of labels. "Nigerians in South Africa are criminals'' ''they engage in illicit trade and actions'' ''they are spoiling our land'' ''they should go back to their countries'' and all sorts of statements are top of the list of statements  I have read.

At this stage, I am tempted to throw caution to the winds and simply write on like an emote; but of what good would that do? this is not a time to reason with an emotive brain, but a time to get back to the drawing table and map out ways to fully curb this. This is simply a time to think strategically about the cause of this recurrent event and fashion out ways to attack this hydra-headed monster, face on. Xenophobia is fast eating away at the very fabric of our collective African identity. The need for international collaborations between African countries is very important in this modern age now more than ever. The descendants of Zulu seem not to understand the benefits of peaceful coexistence with their African brothers; judging by the lack of empathy they have shown over time.
No country can exist without links and ties with other countries;  these waves of renewed attacks, the unhidden hatred against foreign nationals have sent a message to other African leaders; one which must be properly interpreted and acted upon.

After sampling popular public opinions, something I love doing, it is of common knowledge that the right of an individual to freedom of movement and obtaining legal rights of stay within a country is still unnegotiable; and the agreement of analysts and opinion givers is the fact that the breakdown of law and order in these neighboring societies is as a result of a progressive decline in the quality of leadership the African continent have had to contend with over time. top government officials in the country have done next to nothing to dissuade the people from this destructive path; from them sending a message generations unborn would suffer from its consequences. in contemporary times, radical African leaders have touted the main essence of the African identity. the common phrase, united we stand, divided we fall is still relatable in this context. Western powers have consistently taken Africans for a ride, China is spearheading a new wave of colonialism. All these are as a result of the failure to recognize the magnitude of our collective African identity; one which xenophobia gnaws aggressively at.

Relating all these to the Nigerian situation, I could only watch and sigh with tings of regret as our commander in chief, on a recent trip to South Africa constantly smiled at the cameras and chatted heartily with south African envoys as if all was well. these xenophobic attacks are fast becoming a norm and it would take more than some press conferences and cheap diplomacy to fully arrest the situation. you represent the totality of the Nigerian people and you should be able to take a stance where it matters the most. Enough of the 'padi padi' as my people around here would say; other African leaders should actively chastise South Africans as a reality check is highly needed here. In moments like these, one cannot help but wonder at what is the real function of the African Union. theirs is not only to mediate when our robust leaders need cash from the international monetary fund (IMF) or other shylocks; now is the need for a collective voice at checking that which portends great danger for the continent as a whole. This has taken longer than expected to complete, I hope you enjoy your read.
#saynotoxenophobia
#oneafrica
ADESUA AYOMARIA WRITES AS YOUTHFULPERSPECTIVES AND HE CAN BE REACHED ON ALL SOCIAL PLATFORMS.

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