Written by
Hafiz Gunu
Following several months of bravado in the form of artillery display along the Ukrainian border by Russian forces, the world woke up to the news of a full scale invasion on February 24, 2022. This was much to the surprise of several security experts, that called the bluff of the enigmatic Russian leader; Vladimir Putin. Amidst the consultations, negotiations and the back and forth precursory to the Russian onslaught, some continents (Europe & North America) begun issuing travel advisory to citizens in anticipation of a worst-case scenario and leaving nothing to chance.
It is reported that embassies of the U.K, U.S, Germany, Belgium and China evacuated a number of employees, only leaving behind essential workers. In the face of all the chaos and panic, African (Ghana-Nigeria especially) students were left in the dark on the operating procedure or evacuation plans (if any) in such a situation.
Underneath all that optimism is a worried group of African students that would like to know of a working contingency measure in place, should events come to a head. Needless to say, every little bit of hope they hanged onto slowly wore thin and replaced with a palpable fear of the unknown. Exclusive voice messages sent to Africa Global Radio indicate that most African students are stuck indoors or in bomb shelters as they try to establish contact with the relevant authorities to come to their aide.
At the moment it is a constant struggle trying to urge members to stay together and keep the strength in numbers as some have begun panicking and trying to make a run for it to border towns. The lackluster attitude of African governments is on full display in the handling of the Ukraine situation. We have been caught pants down.
As Africans, we have been on the receiving end of jokes for centuries on end and it is high time we placed a priceless value on lives across the continent. African countries as a matter of urgency must activate the bilateral arrangements they have with Ukraine’s neighbours; Poland, Romania, Slovakia and the others. Since air travel is not an option at the moment, those that make the perilous journey to these countries by foot will at least get safe passage.
How we respond to the plight of fellow citizens in this time of need is under the spotlight. As it stands, nobody knows when the conflict will truly end. Does it end with a regime change in Ukraine? Does it end when Russian president, Putin finally listens to the growing discontent for war by Russians? Does it end when they (Russia) annex Ukraine like they did Crimea? Nobody knows. All the world knows is that, Ukraine is a country caught in the middle of an ego measuring contest between superpowers fighting a pointless turf war.
Our African brothers and sisters should NOT be collateral damage. Let us bring them home.
For more updates on happenings in Ukraine and news on Africa and the African diaspora, visit https://africaglobalradio.com/category/news-business/
