By Abioye Tosin Lawrence There was a time when South Africa stood as a symbol of triumph over oppression. A nation reborn from the ashes of apartheid, guided by the moral weight of reconciliation and unity, as envisioned by Nelson Mandela. The “Rainbow Nation” was not just a phrase, it was a promise. Today, that promise is being tested. Across different periods of social unrest, reports of violence and hostility against African migrants have raised urgent questions about the state of African brotherhood within South Africa. Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, Malawians, Congolese, and others have, at various times, found themselves caught in waves of destruction that target foreign-owned shops and communities. This raises a difficult but necessary question: where is the protection of law when African brothers become targets in a nation built on liberation ideals? Nigeria, for instance, has often demonstrated strong institutional responses to crime affecting foreign nationa...
Brufut, Gambia | April 29,2026 Abdou Koma, prominent youth leader, author, and environmental scientist from The Gambia has been selected as a speaker at an international dialogue organized by the Mamabatho Foundation for Women’s Development, marking another significant stride in youth representation on the global stage. The high-level dialogue, themed “Youth at the Edge of 2030: Reimagining Freedom, Economy, and Peace in the World,” brings together thought leaders, advocates, and change-makers from across the globe to address pressing issues shaping the future of young people. Speaking ahead of the event, the Gambian delegate, Abdou Koma, expressed deep honor at the invitation, noting that the theme strongly aligns with their ongoing work as President and Founder of the Gambia Youth Empowerment and Civic Leadership Network. Their journey as an author and environmental scientist also positions them at the intersection of policy, sustainability, and youth development. At the heart o...