society
Yes, We (Africans) Seek Justice Without Borders
Yes, We (Africans) Seek Justice Without Borders.
By George O. Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“Why Africa Must Lead the Call for Universal Accountability.”
On September 30, 2025, a military court in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, sentenced former president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia for treason and war crimes. This ruling sent shockwaves across Africa and the world, as Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, has long been accused of profiting from Congo’s bloody resource wars, overseeing massacres and entrenching corruption that left millions dead or displaced. For many Congolese victims, the ruling was a delayed but symbolic form of justice. Yet, it also raises a much larger and uncomfortable question: why is justice so often selective? Why are African leaders punished while Western leaders who committed atrocities walk freely?
The world cannot applaud Kabila’s sentence and simultaneously ignore the crimes of those whose decisions destroyed nations, unleashed wars and killed millions outside Africa. If justice is to be meaningful, it must be universal, not geographical.
Selective Justice: The African Dilemma.
Across Africa, leaders like Charles Taylor of Liberia and Hissène Habré of Chad have faced justice. Taylor is serving 50 years in a British prison for aiding war crimes in Sierra Leone. Habré died in prison after being convicted for atrocities in Chad. Omar al-Bashir of Sudan was indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide in Darfur. Now, Kabila has been sentenced in the DRC.
On one hand, these trials prove that impunity is no longer absolute. On the other, they reveal a painful hypocrisy: the wheels of international justice grind fastest when the accused is African.
When the International Criminal Court (ICC) was established in 2002, it was hailed as the dawn of global justice. Yet in over two decades, almost all of its prosecutions have been against Africans. Meanwhile, leaders from powerful nations who launched illegal wars, bombed civilians or backed occupations have never faced an indictment. Justice, it seems, has a passport and it is not African.
The Crimes of the Powerful: Bush, Blair, Netanyahu.
Consider George W. Bush and Tony Blair, who in 2003 launched the Iraq War on false claims of weapons of mass destruction. The invasion caused the deaths of over 500,000 Iraqis (according to Brown University’s Costs of War project), displaced millions and destabilized the entire Middle East. The war was not sanctioned by the UN, making it a clear violation of international law. Yet Bush now paints portraits in Texas and Blair collects speaking fees, while Iraq lies shattered.
Or take Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s long-serving prime minister. Under his watch, Israeli forces have overseen repeated bombardments of Gaza, including the current campaign in which thousands of Palestinian civilians have been killed. The UN and human rights organizations have repeatedly accused Israel of disproportionate force, collective punishment and potential war crimes. Yet Netanyahu is not in The Hague; he is still welcomed in Western capitals as a “PARTNER in DEMOCRACY.”
The question burns: if Kabila deserves a death sentence for enabling war crimes in Congo, do Bush, Blair and Netanyahu not deserve at least a trial for the rivers of blood on their hands? Or is justice only enforceable when the accused is African or from a weaker continent?
Africa’s Burden and Opportunity.
Africa has been the testing ground for global justice, but it must now become the vanguard of a new movement: justice without borders. If Congo can put its former president on trial, then African states can demand the same standard for Western leaders whose crimes have left scars across continents.
The call should begin at the African Union (AU). Too often, the AU has condemned the ICC for “TARGETING AFRICANS” while failing to articulate an alternative vision of justice. That time is over. Instead of rejecting accountability, Africa must expand it.
Let the AU declare: No leader, whether African, European, American or Asian, is above the law. Let Africa push for reforms at the UN Security Council and the ICC, ensuring that the principle of universal jurisdiction is enforced not selectively applied.
Justice as a Global Right.
International law already provides the tools. The Nuremberg Principles, drafted after World War II, state clearly that individuals (including heads of state) can be held criminally responsible for crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression. The principle of universal jurisdiction allows any state to prosecute such crimes, regardless of where they occurred. Spain once tried this against Chile’s dictator Augusto Pinochet. Why can’t Africa try the same with Bush, Blair or Netanyahu?
Some may argue that the politics of power make this impossible. After all, America, Britain and Israel wield enormous influence. But history shows that moral courage can topple even empires. The anti-apartheid struggle, led by Africans but supported globally, forced South Africa to its knees. Why should the fight for global accountability be any different?
A Justice Manifesto for the 21st Century.
What Africa must demand is not vengeance, but consistency. If justice is to have meaning, it cannot be the privilege of the weak and the punishment of the poor. It must apply equally to all who abuse power.
If Joseph Kabila faces death for crimes in Congo, then George W. Bush must answer for Iraq.
If Charles Taylor sits in a British cell, then Tony Blair must stand in The Hague.
If Omar al-Bashir is indicted for Darfur, then Benjamin Netanyahu must be indicted for Gaza.
Anything less is not justice; it is legalized hypocrisy.
The Moral Power of Africa’s Voice.
The irony is sharp: Africa, long painted as the continent of impunity, now has an opportunity to be the continent of universal accountability. Kabila’s sentence may mark a turning point. By holding one of its own to account, Congo has opened the door for Africa to say to the world: we will not accept double standards.
As Desmond Tutu once said: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” Africa can no longer be neutral. It must be radical in demanding justice not just for Africans, but for Iraqis, Palestinians, Afghans, Yemenis, Libyans and all victims of imperial violence.
Final Thoughts: Justice Must Have No Passport.
Joseph Kabila’s sentencing may be historic, but it will be meaningless if justice remains selective. True justice must have no borders, no passports, no colors. Africa must lead this charge, not as a victim of double standards, but as the champion of equality before the law.
If the world is serious about ending impunity, then it must confront this uncomfortable truth: Kabila is guilty, but so too are Bush, Blair, Netanyahu and others who bathe their hands in the blood of innocents. Until they face accountability, the promise of “NEVER AGAIN” will remain the biggest lie of the 21st century.
ZAILANI ABSOLUTE CARE FOUNDATION URGES MAMADI TO CEASE BLACKMAIL, VOWS UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR ZAILANI AND CONTINUITY UNDER TINUBU, UBA SANI
In a strongly worded press briefing at the Skill Acquisition Centre, Mando, the Zailani Absolute Care Foundation today publicly rebuked Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Mamadi for what it described as attempts to “blackmail” Governor Mallam Uba Sani, while restating its full-throated support for Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani (FCNA) as the preferred candidate for the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat in 2027.
Read and signed by Tasiu Musa, chairman of the foundation, the statement praised Governor Uba Sani as “a true democrat” who, the group said, “will never endorse a candidate” but rather allows the people to decide. The foundation further lauded President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, declaring that all elective seats in Kaduna APC remain open except for the president and governor whom the group says enjoy the endorsement of “patriotic, good people of Kaduna State.”
Hailing Zailani’s political pedigree, the foundation said the former lawmaker has demonstrated resilience and a sustained commitment to public service. “Zailani’s record of service dates back to 2007,” the statement noted, pointing to his long tenure in the Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Igabi West as proof of his capacity, effectiveness and deep-rooted connection to the people of Igabi Local Government.
The foundation urged Zailani not to withdraw from the senatorial contest and warned of political consequences if he steps aside. “Zailani must not back down,” the statement said. “Should Rt. Hon. Zailani step aside from the contest, we will withhold our support and will actively oppose any future political ambitions he may pursue.” The group framed its stance as an insistence on protecting the interests and representation of Igabi people at the National Assembly.
In a direct message to Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Mamadi, the foundation reminded him of a past episode in which, the group says, Mamadi persuaded Zailani to contest a senatorial seat against his initial reluctance an intervention allegedly made in the presence of Igabi elders and critical stakeholders. The foundation used the reminder to challenge Mamadi’s current posture and to urge him to desist from attacks on the governor.
Calling on local stakeholders to unite, the foundation appealed to politicians, traditional leaders, opinion formers and elites of Igabi Local Government to rally behind Zailani. “Supporting Zailani is not merely a personal endorsement; it is a vote for the progress and future of Igabi as a whole,” the statement read.
The group also commended Governor Uba Sani for his pledge to ensure a level playing field in APC primaries, urging him and party authorities to guarantee fairness, transparency and a credible process that will allow the best candidate to emerge.
Signed by Tasiu Musa, the foundation’s communiqué closed with an exhortation to Zailani to remain “brave, steadfast and committed” to the contest, assuring that “Igabi stands ready to mobilize and defend its interests.”
The party and the individuals named in the foundation’s statement did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Memory as a Weapon: How Nations Use History to Protect Their Future.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by Saharaweeklyng.com
Nations that forget are nations that fall. Memory is not nostalgia; it is defense.
History is not merely a record of what happened; it is a tool, a weapon and a shield. Nations that harness the power of memory can protect themselves from repeating mistakes, guide citizens toward accountability and build institutions that endure. Nations that forget, by contrast are condemned to cyclical failure. Nigeria sits at this crossroads today.
George Santayana’s timeless warning resonates more urgently now: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” In Nigeria, forgetting has become habitual; a dangerous silence that allows corruption, misgovernance and tribalism to thrive.
Memory as Strategy.
Globally, nations have long used history as a strategic asset:
Germany institutionalized remembrance after World War II. Holocaust education, memorials and civic programs transformed a society capable of atrocities into a nation committed to accountability, human rights and rule of law.
South Africa employed truth and reconciliation commissions to confront the horrors of apartheid. Remembering allowed the country to rebuild trust and national cohesion.
Rwanda uses genocide memorials and civic education to prevent recurrence of ethnic violence, demonstrating that collective memory is a safeguard for peace.
Memory is not passive; it is an active, disciplined practice that informs decision-making, governance and citizen vigilance.
Nigeria’s Lost Opportunity.
Nigeria has often treated history as optional. Civil war, coups, electoral fraud, corruption scandals and political betrayals are taught selectively, if at all. The consequences are visible:
Political Recidivism: Leaders who failed in the past often return to power with little scrutiny.
Institutional Fragility: Agencies remain weak because lessons from mismanagement are ignored.
Cultural Fragmentation: Tribalism and religious favoritism persist because the memory of the cost of division is neglected.
By neglecting memory, Nigeria has armed itself poorly against recurring crises. Every cycle of misrule could have been mitigated had the lessons of the past been institutionalized.
Memory in Civic Life.
Memory strengthens democracy by empowering citizens:
Historical Literacy: Citizens who know their past are better judges of political promises and campaign rhetoric.
Accountability: Public officials act more cautiously when past abuses are remembered and enforced through institutional mechanisms.
Unity Through Shared Narrative: Recognizing both the triumphs and failures of all regions reduces ethnic rivalry and fosters national cohesion.
Consider the June 12, 1993 election. Remembering Chief Moshood Abiola’s struggle and the annulment of his mandate is not mere nostalgia; it is a lesson in civic courage, the cost of impunity and the value of collective vigilance.
Tools for Memory.
Nigeria can weaponize memory in practical ways:
Curriculum Reform: Schools should embed comprehensive Nigerian history (independence struggles, civil war, civil rights movements) emphasizing the causes, consequences and moral lessons.
National Archives and Museums: Document and display the nation’s triumphs and failures for public engagement.
Public Commemorations: Memorial days, statues and lectures celebrate sacrifices and caution against repeating errors.
Media Engagement: Documentaries, podcasts and investigative journalism can translate history into accessible narratives, reaching citizens outside classrooms.
By turning memory into practice, Nigeria can create a culture where accountability is expected not optional.
Memory as Resistance.
Memory is also resistance; resistance against manipulation, tribalism, corruption and historical erasure. When citizens remember who built Nigeria, who resisted oppression and who sacrificed for democracy, they are empowered to demand better governance.
The historian Toyin Falola notes: “The past is never dead in Africa; it lives in politics, policy and the pulse of society.” Nigeria’s past is alive, whether we acknowledge it or not. The question is whether we will use it consciously as a shield, or remain passive victims of repetition.
Nationalistic Imperative.
Nigerians must internalize memory as a civic weapon. Every child taught about Herbert Macaulay, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti or Michael Imoudu is a citizen less likely to tolerate impunity. Every remembrance of failed coups, annulled elections and civil war casualties is an inoculation against repeat mistakes.
Memory transforms despair into action. It converts historical pain into lessons that guide governance, policy and civic engagement. A nation armed with memory cannot be easily misled by propaganda, tribalism or populist deception.
Final Thoughts.
Memory is more than reflection. It is preparation, protection and power. Nigeria’s future depends not on ignoring history, nor on selective remembrance, but on fully weaponizing it; teaching it, commemorating it, debating it and enforcing its lessons through institutions and civic culture.
History is knocking. Memory is the weapon to answer. Will Nigeria lift the shield or continue marching blind into repetition?
*United Kingdom of Atlantis Confirms Suspension of Dr. Stephen Mukuka Kabeya Nkoloso*
The United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced a leadership decision that underscores the Sovereign Nation’s commitment to discipline, order, and principled governance.
In a statement issued today, October 1st 2025 Emperor Dr. Solomon Uchenna Wining, Supreme Leader of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) and head of UNA’s supreme authority, confirmed the temporary suspension of Professor Dr. Stephen Mukuka Kabeya Nkoloso, the deputy speaker house of Common.
> “UKA remains dedicated to the principles of unity and discipline,” Dr. Wining said. “After careful consideration and in accordance with the mandate of the ICC Royal Court of the United Kingdom of Atlantis, we have taken the step to suspend Dr. Nkoloso for three months following actions deemed to challenge the established order and leadership.”
Dr. Wining emphasised that the measure is corrective rather than punitive, aimed at maintaining harmony within the organisation’s leadership.
“This decision, effective October 1, 2025 , reflects our unwavering commitment to uphold our code of conduct,” Dr. Wining added. “We hope that Dr. Nkoloso will use this period of reflection to reconcile with the organisation, offer a formal apology, and return to serve with renewed dedication.”
The UKA leadership noted that this decision demonstrates the Sovereign Nation’s resolve to ensure that no individual is above its guiding principles and that all leaders are held accountable to the same standards of conduct.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis (UNA) is a Sovereign Nation under Morich Empire dedicated to advancing global unity, peace, and cultural cooperation.
Founded in the early 21st century, UKA seeks to bring together leaders, communities, and institutions to address pressing social challenges, promote humanitarian outreach, and foster intercultural dialogue.
UKA’s governance includes a Supreme Council, regional directors, and specialised representatives across continents. Closely allied with the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), emphasises principled leadership, discipline, and respect for cultural heritage.
While UKA is not affiliated with the United Nations (UN), it continues to attract attention globally for its distinctive vision of order, ethics, and collaborative development.
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