Editorial : South Africa killings: We commend leaders who dare to speak

The African continent has witnessed too many tragedies, too many needless deaths and too many occasions when the voices of those who should speak have been drowned by political convenience and diplomatic silence.

It is against this troubling background that we commend African leaders who have found the courage to speak out over the reported killings in South Africa and concerns surrounding the conduct of security personnel.

We particularly recognise the intervention of Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, for lending their voices to the concerns raised over the situation.

Their willingness to speak on an issue of continental importance is a reminder that African leadership must not be measured only by political speeches, but also by the courage to confront difficult realities.

The African Union, as the foremost continental organisation, has a responsibility to ensure that the dignity and safety of Africans remain at the centre of its agenda. Any credible report of killings, human-rights violations or abuse of power should therefore attract the attention of African leaders and institutions.

The tragedy is that Africa has often been quick to issue statements about unity, integration and solidarity, yet sometimes struggles to demonstrate those principles when ordinary people are faced with violence and injustice.

We cannot continue to preach African unity only when it is convenient.
True African solidarity must mean that the life of an African matters, irrespective of the country where that African lives.
When people are killed, we must ask questions.

When security agencies are accused of excessive use of force, there must be accountability.

When citizens live in fear of those who are supposed to protect them, governments must listen and act.

This is not about attacking South Africa or condemning the South African people. It is about demanding justice, transparency and accountability wherever there are credible allegations of wrongdoing.

South Africa remains an important member of the African family. Its challenges are, in many ways, challenges that affect the entire continent.

The solution, therefore, should not be silence, denial or political defensiveness. The solution should be honest dialogue, independent investigation and justice for victims.

We must also emphasise the importance of due process. Allegations, no matter how serious, must be properly investigated, and responsibility must be established through credible and transparent processes. Those found to have committed wrongdoing must be held accountable, regardless of their position or status.

But investigations should never become an excuse for silence.

The African Union must be bold enough to speak when the circumstances demand it. It must be prepared to listen to the cries of ordinary Africans and respond to genuine concerns about human rights, insecurity, discrimination and unlawful violence.

The continent needs leaders who will dare to speak.

It needs institutions that will dare to investigate.

It needs governments that will dare to accept accountability.

And it needs citizens who will continue to demand justice peacefully and lawfully.
We commend Vice President Kashim Shettima and President John Dramani Mahama for adding their voices to the conversation. We believe that other African leaders should equally find the courage to speak whenever the lives and dignity of Africans are threatened.
Silence in the face of injustice can create the impression that the suffering of victims does not matter.

That must not be the Africa we build.
If the African Union is truly committed to a united and prosperous continent, then it must also be committed to protecting the lives and dignity of its people.
Africa must not wait for another tragedy before leaders begin to speak.

We therefore call on African leaders, the African Union, civil society organisations, religious leaders and the media to continue to promote a culture of accountability and respect for human life.

We must build an Africa where security agencies protect citizens rather than intimidate them; where governments respond to allegations of abuse with transparency; and where justice is pursued without fear or favour.

The time has come for Africa to move beyond speeches about unity and demonstrate that unity through action.
When one African suffers, the continent should care.

When one African cries for justice, the continent should listen.

And when credible concerns are raised about the loss of innocent lives, African leaders should not be afraid to speak.
We commend those who have dared to speak.

We encourage others to find their voices.
Africa needs more leaders who will stand for justice, more institutions that will defend human dignity and more citizens who will refuse to accept silence as the price of peace.

The future of Africa depends not only on our ability to build economies and infrastructure, but also on our commitment to protect the most fundamental right of all—the right to life.

Africa must speak.
Africa must act.

And Africa must never look away when human lives are at stake