Nigeria is ablaze with protests and unrest, joining Kenya and Uganda in a wave of demonstrations sweeping across Africa. The #10DaysOfRage #EndBadGovernance protests, sparked by economic hardship, corruption, and poor governance, have, at the last count, claimed 17 lives and destroyed properties worth billions. The cries of our brothers and sisters cannot be ignored. The time for complacency is over; the time for engagement is now.

The protests are a symptom of a larger problem – a problem of leadership, of governance, and of accountability. For too long, African leaders have prioritized their own interests over the needs of their citizens. For too long, they have ignored the cries of their people, dismissed their concerns, and suppressed their dissent.

But the people will not be silenced. They will not be ignored. They will not be oppressed forever. The protests are a sign that the people have had enough. They are a sign that the people demand change.

And so, we in the diaspora must stand with them. We must support them. We must amplify their voices. We must use our resources, our networks, and our influence to push for change. But we must also acknowledge the historical and systemic issues that have led to this moment.

We must acknowledge the legacy of colonialism, the failures of post-independence leadership, and the continued exploitation by foreign powers. We must acknowledge the ways in which these forces have contributed to the current state of affairs.

And then, we must take action. We must work with African leaders, international organizations, and civil society groups to push for meaningful reform. We must support and invest in African-led initiatives and organizations. We must use our resources to amplify African voices, not to drown them out.

The demands are clear: economic justice, an end to corruption, and accountable governance. These are not radical demands; they are basic human rights. And they are demands that we in the diaspora must support.

To ensure that the protests do not degenerate into an uncontrollable political imbroglio, it is essential to adopt measures that promote peaceful and constructive engagement. The government must establish a dialogue mechanism that allows for the peaceful expression of grievances and the negotiation of demands. Protest leaders must also be willing to engage in good faith, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric and violent tactics. Furthermore, security forces must be trained to respond to protests in a proportionate and humane manner, avoiding excessive force and respecting human rights.

Additionally, civil society organizations, community leaders, and religious groups must play a key role in mediating conflicts and promoting peaceful resolution. They can help to facilitate dialogue between protesters and government officials, and provide a platform for the peaceful expression of grievances. Moreover, the media must report responsibly, avoiding sensationalism and promoting balanced coverage of the protests. By adopting these measures, we can ensure that the protests remain peaceful and constructive, and that the noble idea of protesting for change does not degenerate into chaos and violence that threatens Nigeria’s unity and democratic gains.

So let us rise to the challenge. Let us stand with our brothers and sisters. Let us work together to build a brighter future for Africa. The time for talk is over; the time for action is now. We must act with urgency and purpose. The future of Africa depends on it.