Africa and the African countries within the African Union should actively engage in discussions and express their concerns regarding the ongoing riots in France and the recent unrest witnessed in other European nations like Belgium and Switzerland. It is imperative to delve deeper into the saying, “What goes around comes around,” and apply it to these European countries where police brutality against their citizens can be seen on television screens worldwide. Riots in France and its police brutality raise an essential question: Why have African countries chosen to remain silent on this issue?
Now, let’s imagine for a moment if the distressing images of police brutality were instead emerging from an African country, such as cities like Bujumbura and Kinshasa. Undoubtedly, France and the European Union would swiftly react, demanding investigations and urging sanctions to be imposed. It is only reasonable to expect that the African Union, or any African country for that matter, would seize this opportunity to call upon France and President Macron to exercise restraint and urge their police forces to avoid the excessive use of force when dealing with rioters. Such a response would be not only warranted but also crucial for promoting fairness and equality on the global stage.
By actively participating in these conversations and diplomatically addressing the issue of police brutality, African countries have the potential to bring international attention to the matter, both within their borders and beyond. Challenging double standards, regardless of geographical location or political context, is essential. Advocating for France and other European countries to uphold human rights and ensure the dignity of their citizens is not an act of hate but rather a demand for justice and equality.
In doing so, the African Union and African countries can play a significant role in fostering a global culture of accountability, respect for human rights, and the fair treatment of individuals, regardless of nationality or ethnicity. Furthermore, by taking a stand and raising their voices against police brutality in other parts of the world, African countries can strengthen their efforts to combat similar challenges within their borders. This solidarity will bolster African nations’ credibility in addressing human rights issues and demonstrate the continent’s commitment to upholding universally recognized values. Sustainable change can be achieved through collective action, dialogue, and the sharing of best practices.
Ultimately, it is in Africa’s best interest to actively engage in discussions surrounding police brutality within its borders and globally. By championing the principles of justice, equality, and respect for human rights, African countries can help shape a world where all individuals are treated fairly, regardless of location.
France continues to be engulfed in widespread protests as violence and clashes between protesters and police escalate for a fifth consecutive night. Over 700 protesters have been arrested, with the unrest spreading across major cities such as Paris and Marseille.
The protests were triggered by the death of Nahel M., a 17-year-old teenager of Algerian descent, who a police officer fatally shot during a traffic stop. Thousands of police officers have been facing off against predominantly young male protesters, leading to confrontations in city centres, suburbs, and small towns. The clashes have occurred in iconic locations, including Marseille’s old port, as protesters engage in cat-and-mouse battles with heavily armed riot police.
Tourists have witnessed the clashes as young protesters, some as young as 14, confront law enforcement on the streets. President Emmanuel Macron swiftly condemned the teenager’s death as “inexplicable” but also called on parents to take responsibility for the actions of their teenage children participating in the protests without family knowledge.
The protests have brought to the forefront issues of police violence and perceived discrimination based on ethnicity, race, and socioeconomic factors in France. While riots of this magnitude have not been seen in over a decade, the intensity of the response to the teenager’s killing has caught political authorities off guard.
In one Parisian suburb, L’Hay-les-Roses, the mayor’s home was targeted in a personally-directed attack. A car rammed into the residence, and subsequently set on fire, injuring the mayor’s wife and child. This act has been described as a new level of “horror and ignominy” in the current wave of civil unrest. Throughout the protests, town halls, schools, police buildings, and numerous stores have also been subjected to fire damage and acts of vandalism.
Authorities have responded by deploying around 45,000 officers to public places, using tactics such as street blockades and tear gas to disperse large gatherings of protesters. While rioting has been somewhat calmer compared to the previous night, the situation remains tense as France grapples with the ongoing protests and the underlying social issues that have ignited them.
