By Ollus Ndomu
Muslims across Africa have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian people as the conflict in Gaza continues. Rallies and protests, marked by impassioned speeches and chants of solidarity, unfolded in various cities across the continent.
In Cape Town, South Africa, several thousand individuals converged in the streets of Salt River to express their unwavering support for the people of Palestine. The demonstration was a testament to the deep connection between South Africans and the Palestinian cause. Demonstrators carried placards adorned with messages of solidarity and Palestinian flags. Chants of “free Palestine” and “stop the genocide, stop the hate” resonated through the air as the crowd made its way through the streets.
In Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, people gathered to protest the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians. The demonstrators marched through the city’s streets, raising their voices against the violence. Many in the crowd held Palestinian flags and placards with powerful slogans, including “Stop the war crime,” “Free Free Palestine,” and “We demand an end to the genocide in Gaza, Palestine.”
In Nigeria, Muslims from various communities took to the streets in a powerful display of support for the Palestinian people. The demonstrations also served as a platform to denounce the heavy bombardments in Gaza, where the conflict has escalated significantly. The roots of the Gaza conflict trace back to October 7, when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack involving rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air.
In response, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
The consequences of the conflict have been deeply felt, and Gaza is currently facing a dire humanitarian crisis.
The region is grappling with severe shortages of electricity, water, food, fuel, and essential medical supplies, making the support and solidarity expressed in Africa all the more significant.
These rallies and demonstrations reflect a strong and unified African stance in support of the Palestinian people during these trying times, as calls for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict continue to echo worldwide.
