How the global diaspora showed up for the #EndSARS movement
2020 has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. From the COVID pandemic to political suppression, to police brutality worldwide, it’s been quite an overwhelming year, to say the least. Nigeria is no stranger to any of these issues, as the country has had an outbreak, political corruption, or a citizen revolt against the government at one point in time, or in this case all at once. Despite Desmond Elliot’s recent comments about social media, Twitter and Instagram have been instrumental in spreading awareness and getting people involved. At times, the Diaspora faces criticism (rightfully so) for being overly zealous when it comes to celebrating independence days but sitting conveniently quiet in the comfort of our homes when it comes to speaking up about the ethical rights of those in our home countries. Of course, there’s not enough time in the world to tackle each and every sociopolitical issue so it’s understandable if someone feels a sense of helplessness. Especially if you’re living in the U.S. and have to deal with Agent Orange and Police brutality on your doorstep. However, to the Diaspora’s credit, we’ve seen plans of actions, donations, protests, in places like France, Berlin, Tokyo, and of course the U.S., as Nigerians in each city stand in solidarity with those on the ground.
As of November 4th, The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially opened an investigation into the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria. The ICC has assured that the findings of the formal inquiry into the crimes committed during the protests will be made public.
As you can expect, #EndSARS isn’t Africa’s only current problem. In recent weeks, we have seen social media campaigns calling attention to #CongoIsBleeding, #ShutItAllDown, #AngloPhoneCrisis, #RapeNationalEmergency, #ZimbabweanLivesMatter, just to name a few.
In case you are still unaware of some of Africa’s current crises, read a little bit below about what people are going through in Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and beyond. #JusticeForAfrica
See below, footage of protests across the diaspora lending their voice and platforms to the #EndSARS movement all over the world.
Today was special many lessons learned . The Youth out here in NYC Came out and showed out ! We will continue to spread awareness and we will continue to get better as a unit . On behalf of @endsarsnyc i want to thank you all! #EndSARS #EndSARSBrutality #EndPoliceBrutality pic.twitter.com/xA7XiMwjLC
— Winston Boateng 🇯🇲🇬🇭 (@YoungPrince_) October 21, 2020
BREAKING: #EndSARS Protests currently on going in France.
— Uglybeat TV #EndSars (@anUglyBeat) October 17, 2020
We ran out of our country seeking solace in another country because of #BadGovernance pic.twitter.com/QHWBPBzRRU
📍Dublin, Ireland.
— 20-10-2020 💔🕯🕊 (@kendrick_xo) October 21, 2020
Around 100 people are taking part in an #EndSARS march in Dublin City Centre
The movement calls for an end to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. #EndSARS #LekkiMassacre #LekkiGenocide
pic.twitter.com/c5hzAIkyZN
#EndSARS protest yesterday in Napoli Italy 🇮🇹 against #BadGovernanceInNigeria. We shall continue to speak against evil of the impostor in Aso rock @MBuhari, and to also propagate the Gospel of redemption for #Biafra pic.twitter.com/U0t8euyQ39
— Chima Biafra (@Chima_Biafrason) October 26, 2020
We will not be silenced, our voices must be heard. #EndSARS protest happening now in Gottingen, Germany. pic.twitter.com/IQi2LgAkPJ
— IG: Feezy_brown (@Feezybrown) October 24, 2020
Nigerians came together last night in LA… What a speech by Bullus Gago! Just Rt! #EndSARS #NIGERIAPREVAILS pic.twitter.com/rzrdw7qrT3
— davvyd moore (@davvydmoore) October 22, 2020
DMV diaspora at the Nigerian embassy at #EndSARS vigil in DC pic.twitter.com/RjWct3m3CL
— Chidinma Irene Nwoye (@irenecnwoye) October 23, 2020
You've asked "What's Next?", "How can I help?" and "What else can we do from the diaspora to #endSARS and make a difference".
— endsarsnyc (@endsarsnyc) November 3, 2020
A statement from EndSarsNYC: pic.twitter.com/Rj8xalzODn
49-99 — @TiwaSavage
— jr. (@tayojunior) October 31, 2020
49-99 was a phrase coined by Fela Kuti in his 1978 hit song, “Suffering and Smiling” which references the poor conditions/infrastructure of Nigerian society in which a transit bus with an intended capacity of 49 passengers typically holds double that. pic.twitter.com/6RVb4Brf3g
#EndSARS Yesterday in London Nigerians in the UK and our friends from @XrYouth stormed the Nigerian Embassy to demand for an end to bad governance in Nigeria. No rest for the wicked @mbuhari regime!#Nogoingback #RevolutionNow pic.twitter.com/QOYaP95Io5
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) November 1, 2020
#Endsars Nigerians in Russia protesting! #RevolutionNow pic.twitter.com/0r4JwGKTGT
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) October 24, 2020
Though this is a step in the right direction, It’s important to note that the fight is NOT over. Keep up the good fight!