Currently, the world, more importantly, the United Nations is busy deliberating on how to avoid cataclysm in Ukraine. This is after the bullish Russian decided to invade Ukraine. Russia resorted to arms after Ukraine, its former territory under the defunct USSR showed signs of joining North Atlantic Treaty Organization that brings together the US and some European countries for the purpose of shielding themselves against any invasion, which can only come from Russia, and possibly China. Those acquainted with the geopolitics and the superstructure of the world aren’t shocked at all.

Social media is overflowing with videos showing Ukrainian police or Poland border guards denying Africans the openings to flee the war in Ukraine simply because they are black. Neither the AU nor the UN have decried this blatant racism and gross violation of human rights of Africans.

What does this say about Africa and Africans?

First, Africans themselves don’t care about/for each other. What’s wrong if at all, even beasts in the jungle do care, and sometimes, fight for each other? Refer to how Buffaloes fight off lions or gnus fight hyenas. Why are Africans blasé when it comes to the welfare of their brethren?  Don’t they know that such slackness gives racists a carte blanche to keep on discriminating against Africans?

Those who remember how an African mom with her baby, among many appalling incidents in Ukraine, were denied access to a shelter simply because they weren’t white enough will agree that Africans are discriminated against. The AU and all African countries-maintained silence as if what was done was normal.  Africans can attest to how they’re conspirators in racism. They kind-heartedly treat Asians, for example, who maltreat Africans but mistreat their fellow Africans. Africans conspire with foreigners to rob their countries. Isn’t this self-discrimination?

I once wrote about the Jarawa, the Africans who live in the Andaman Island in India, and the way they’re treated like animals by Indian authorities. The AU has never bothered to research and seek the truth about such allegations. Also, refer to the recent accusations of slavery in the Maghreb where African Arabs still sell blacks to slavery. The AU’s nowhere to be seen. There have been accusations of deaths and tortures for African house helps in the Gulf and other Arab countries. Refer to how Israel has been discriminating against its black Jews or Falasha from Ethiopia. Even if these guys were duped into denying that they’re Africans, we don’t need to punish them or repeat the same crime their dupers are committing.

Secondly, racism in Ukraine shows that even the international community doesn’t care about/for Africans simply because they aren’t white enough to be valued. To know this, just imagine. What’d have been the reaction of the international community had whites been maltreated.

Thirdly, some African countries are busy condemning Russia. This is a good thing to do. Again, charity begins at home. How do they get the audacity to condemn Russia and the chutzpah to condone discrimination against their brothers and sisters? What’s wrong with us?

We need to value ourselves and care about/for each other. When other nationalities/ races are discriminated against or jeopardised, they stand together to maintain and show their significance and worth. Africa and Africans need to hit back to whoever discriminate against any of them. For example, after the war ends in Ukraine, Africans should not go to study there even if it is for free or scholarships provided by the Ukraine government. Africans should unite their countries and form one country that’ll be able to give them a voice internationally not to mention establish the services they seek abroad.

We are responsible for ourselves. If we love ourselves and each other, others will love us. If we respect and value ourselves, others will. But shall we remain negligent and stroppy as we currently are, we will suffer even more.

By Nkwazi Mhango

The author is a lifetime member of the Writers' Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador (WANL), an expert in Terrorism and author of over 20 books among which are Africa Reunite or Perish, 'Is It Global War on Terrorism' or Global War over Terra Africana? How Africa Developed Europe and contributed many chapters in scholarly works.