Tales of Horror in Libya: The Indifference of The African 'Brotherhood'

Bob Marley’s concerns over three decades ago regarding the unity of Africans saying, “when will African people unite, when will black people come together?” has yet again resonated by the actions and inactions of Africans to the plight of its own people in Libya and of course many other parts of the continent. Africans are guilty of indifference in as much as they continue to allow the wickedness of the wicked to thrive. The horrific pictures and tales from migrants from West Africa trying to cross the Mediterranean, the trek of death in the desert and worse still the sufferings they face in the hands of fellow Africans are scary, disheartening and overwhelming.

A continent which boasts of wealthy captains of industries and CEOs in billions of dollars, owners of private jets and expensive jetties, politicians who have had to store up their wealth in Panama and other foreign accounts to avoid being prosecuted, mega churches with so much land space that they are already regarded as cities, aesthetic cathedrals, camp sites for conventions and wealthy enough to embark on billion dollar church project with offerings and tithes, yet unable to stand up and fight for the salvation of its own people held in the bondage of modern day slavery.

Although, in recent times, the Nigerian government had air lifted over 600 of its citizens from Lybia, however, the numbers are inconsequential as witnesses to the horror has come out to reveal. Where are those willing to release their private jets for the cause of humanity and to the service of God as people who claim to be godly? Religious organizations must stand up to their charitable calling, the wealthy must rise in occasions like this, for of what purpose and significance would their wealth be if it is not channeled to the liberation of humanity?

The African Union must also rise from its slumber. It has not been able to live up to its core objectives regarding the welfare of Africans and uniting as a formidable force against the constant challenges facing the continent. If the African Union cannot save its own people, who will? As it is, the African Union lacks leadership and focus. A baby always crying for milk when it ought to be breaking bones. Its dependency on the west has weakened its voice and its freedom is mortgaged by the lack of a collective will.

Events in Libya is the effect of our selfish pursuit and the neglect of the brotherhood. When in need of comfort for the eye, fellow Africans have blown pepperish substances into the eyes of its neighbors. We are doing ourselves…time to undo.