What’s Happening: #ENDSARS

Nigeria is amidst a revolution. The young country “gained” its independence from britain in 1960 but is still suffering under the remnants of colonialism and imperialism. The #ENDSARS movement is the result of tensions that have built up over the past 60 years. SARS is the Special Anti Robbery Squad. They are a police force implemented to reduce crime in Nigeria, but given how deep corruption runs in the country, SARS officers experience oppression while oppressing the citizens they’ve “sworn” to protect. 

The movement is being led by Nigeria’s youth. They are illuminating problems of corruption, elitism, ageism towards young folks, resource scarcity, job scarcity, and the overall fragility of the government system. I am a second generation Nigerian, and I am incredibly proud of the people protesting back home. #ENDSARS is more than a cry to end police brutality in Nigeria; it is a movement to revolutionize the Nigerian government and overall way of life. My parents’ generation experienced “independence” and the Biafran War, and they are still coping with their trauma. This movement is led by young people because our parents are tired of fighting. Young folks in Nigeria, and young Nigerians in the diaspora envision our home outside of the colonial structures that still imprison it. It takes a lot of bravery to act on such innovative and revolutionary thought, and I am beyond proud of the people back home who are fighting for a better tomorrow. Nigerians globally have my full and unwavering support, and it is my job to use my privilege as a Nigerian in america to amplify the struggle. 

I don’t live in Nigeria, so I can’t say exactly what the people need, what the best solution is, and how that solution will be implemented. However, part of the healing lies in disassociating from the colonial and imperial forces that continue to plague the West African country. I know that we need socialist policies that bring justice to all the various cultures and enclaves; Nigeria is a very diverse place, and a blanket solution will not suffice. We need transparent leaders that come from the same place as the people and listen to the people. Furthermore, we need a cultural revolution that works to deconstruct homophobia and misogyny. Finally we need to learn about our past in order to map our future. Who were we before the british, who are we now, and how do we use that information to rebuild a Nigeria that is sustainable and equitable?