Martin Luther King Jr. On Demanding Rights

 

Martin Luther King Jr. believed in non-violent resistance. However, this method should not be thought of as passive. King stated "no body can do this for us." Relying on the government or legislation to attain rights and freedom would leave an oppressed community vulnerable. African Americans needed to assert their demands for equality. Martin Luther King Jr. made this argument. Waiting for change or accommodating unfavorable compromise would not secure freedom. The abuse of slavery, racial  segregation, and terrorism directed at African Americans was encouraged by the US government. Asking to be treated with dignity in a violent and a racial caste system  society would not work. African Americans had to confront white supremacist racism. King's message was that African Americans were worthy of respect, but should not love a system that despises them. Part of this demand for rights required civil disobedience and improved self esteem related to heritage. Social justice movements need to have enough power, so that they do not require aid from others. This makes a movement more independent and effective. Martin Luther King Jr.'s ideas can be used by activists as blueprints for efficient organizing. 

Tanzania's Political Upheaval

 

Post election violence and discord has swept Tanzania. The circumstances surrounding the election questioned the legitimacy of the political process. The opposition parties were prohibited from participation. President Samia Suluhu Hassan won 97% of the vote due to the suppression of other political parties. The Chama Cha Mapinduzi Party has been the dominant force in Tanzania's politics for decades. CCM was created out the merger of the Tanganyika African National Union and Afro-Shirazi political parties. The merger was done in 1977 and like other African national liberation political parties remain in power. At the time, these political parties were revolutionary yet now they are promoting de facto one party authoritarian governments. The Samia Suluhu Hassan government responded to protests with more violence by law enforcement. Now demonstrations are banned and to participate would be charged as attempting a coup. Tanzania is aware of the fall of Mali, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Niger, and Chad. President Samia Suluhu Hassan does not want to create a Madagascar situation. This would result in President Hassan being exiled or  the  military  seizing power. The violence is not coming to an end. The police and military were unleased to inflict harm on demonstrators. Certain patrols were present just to intimidate protesters. The threat of violence and  a deterrent for  other citizens joining protests.       

The Increase of Protests Across Africa

 

The African continent is seeing a wave of public discord. A number of demonstrations have occurred related to the cost of living and low wages. This is another example of how IMF and World Bank policies have never been helpful to African nations. What induced this new wave of protests was the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath. The pandemic did not just cause devastation to public health; the economy suffered. Business closed, unemployment increased, and inflation put a strain on the public. South Africa and Morocco saw the most protests in the five year span. The frustration has gotten so intense it has escalated into riots. The data reveals a total of  5,039 demonstrations related to economic inequality. Most of the protests were peaceful, but it was recorded that 13% erupted in violence. Food security is directly linked to some of the protests. Inflation directly effects food prices, which becomes a dire concern. Sudan's protests have multiple causes related to the military government , civil war, and authoritarian oppression. Tunisia's economy has not recovered from the rule of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Nigeria squanders its oil wealth and the DRC is fighting another M23 rebel insurrection. Africa is rich in resources, but corrupt governments and foreign interventions are undermining economic development. Algeria, Uganda, and Kenya also share the same issue of a cost of living crisis. This is not unique to Africa. The cost of living crisis is spreading. Africa is just experiencing it earlier. The ramifications of a cost of living crisis means political  instability.