International

Western Propaganda: Africa and China Media Need to Collaborate

Published

3 months ago

January 24, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Western Propaganda: Africa and China Media Need to Collaborate

By: Raphael Oni

Africa and China have great potential for media collaboration, both culturally and politically, this will help combat negative reports on African and as well of China.The media collaboration will ensure objective news reporting. This will provide a unique perspective to their audience, rather than relying solely on international news agencies that some times sees stories from their own perspectives. Collaboration between African and Chinese media can bring numerous benefits for mutual benefits. It will help in creating a deeper understanding of both cultures and perspectives and can open up new opportunities for media coverage and technological exchange.

As a diplomatic reporters, I have decided to look into some Western reports on Xinjiang, and come to a conclusion that most of the western report on this province are not reflecting the truth about Chinese government. For decades, the western world has been spreading false information about Xinjiang, a province in western China. The lies have been used to undermine the Chinese government and paint a negative picture of its policies in the region.
One of the biggest lies is that the Chinese government is committing genocide against Uyghur Muslims. This claim has been debunked by various experts and organizations, including the United Nations. The western media has been using fake news and propaganda to make the issue seem worse than it is.
Another lie is that the Chinese government is suppressing Uyghur culture and religion. However, the reality is far from it. The government has invested heavily in preserving Uyghur culture, and there are currently thousands of mosques in Xinjiang, a testament to the freedom of religion. Moreover, the Chinese government is fighting against extremism, not Islam, and it has been successful in preventing terrorist attacks in the region.
The western world has been using the Xinjiang issue as part of its anti-China propaganda campaign. The goal is to weaken China’s global influence and portray it as a human rights violator. However, people should seek the truth and not rely on western propaganda.
The western world has been spreading lies about Xinjiang to serve its geopolitical interests. It is important for people to seek the truth and not fall for propaganda. This is the more reason why Nigeria media and Chinese counterpart must work together in order to debunked the falsehood promoted by Western media.
The Chinese government has also taken steps to improve the economic and social conditions in Xinjiang. The region has seen significant growth in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The poverty rate has decreased, and the standard of living has improved for many residents.
Furthermore, the government has implemented vocational training programs to help Uyghur Muslims acquire new skills and find employment opportunities. These programs have been successful in reducing extremism and promoting stability in the region.
It is important to recognize that the situation in Xinjiang is complex, and there are different perspectives on how to address it. However, it is crucial to base our understanding on facts rather than propaganda. Only by seeking the truth can we make informed decisions about how to promote peace and stability in the region. Realiably, the Chinese government has taken some major steps to take the true story of the Province.
The Chinese government has also invited foreign journalists and diplomats to visit Xinjiang and see the situation for themselves. However, many western countries have declined the invitation or sent biased reporters who only focus on negative aspects. This shows that some western politicians and media outlets are not interested in finding the truth, but rather in spreading their own agenda. I am calling on African media men to take advantages China-Africa relation to establish more media engagement so that we can always tell our own stories.
One of the most effective ways to counter western propaganda is through cultural exchanges and people-to-people diplomacy. Many Uyghur students have been studying abroad and sharing their experiences with foreigners, which helps break down stereotypes and misconceptions. Similarly, more Chinese tourists are visiting Xinjiang and interacting with local residents, which promotes mutual understanding and respect. Collaboration among African and Chinese counterpart will create avenue to showcase the province on daily basis.
Some experts argue that the Xinjiang issue is not just about human rights or terrorism, but also about geopolitics and economics. Xinjiang is a strategic region for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond through infrastructure projects. Some western countries believes that China’s rising influence may challenge their own dominance in global trade and investment. Therefore, they use Xinjiang as a pretext to criticize China’s policies and undermine its reputation.

Despite the challenges facing Xinjiang, there are also opportunities for cooperation and development. Many countries along the Belt and Road routes have expressed interest in partnering with China to build new trade corridors, energy pipelines, digital networks, etc. These projects can bring benefits not only to China but also to other regions that need investment and connectivity. By working together on common goals, we can overcome misunderstandings and conflicts caused by propaganda or ideology.
The fate of Xinjiang depends on the will of its people. They can decide how to preserve their culture, religion, language, identity while adapting to changing times. It is the people on ground that can create a future that is peaceful, prosperous, diverse yet united. As outsiders who care about human dignity and justice everywhere in the world, we should listen more than preach; learn more than judge; support more than condemn; respect more than dominate; love more than hate. The media both in China and Africa must double efforts to ensure that western propaganda become a thing of the past.

The Chinese government has also emphasized the importance of poverty alleviation in Xinjiang, particularly in rural areas. In recent years, it has launched various programs to improve agricultural productivity, provide basic infrastructure and public services, and create job opportunities for farmers and herders. These efforts have helped reduce poverty rates and improve living standards in many remote and underdeveloped areas. Moreover, the government has encouraged private investment and entrepreneurship to diversify the local economy and promote innovation. This approach has yielded positive results, as evidenced by the growth of e-commerce, tourism, and other industries in Xinjiang.
However, some challenges remain in terms of ensuring social harmony and stability which is not peculiar to China alone. The government needs to address grievances among different ethnic groups, enhance communication with civil society organizations, and respect human rights principles while maintaining law and order. It also needs to counter extremist ideologies that may pose a threat to national security or regional stability. These tasks require a comprehensive strategy that involves political dialogue, economic development, cultural exchange, education reform, media literacy, and international cooperation. In all the above the media must play a pivotal role.
The Media should as a matter or urgency continue to engage all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding and report this because they have firsthand information not depending of so call agencies. The media should also engage the government, civil society organizations, academic institutions, religious leaders,business communities, and individuals from different backgrounds. By listening to each other’s concerns and aspirations with an open mind, we can build trust and empathy across borders. By collaborating on common challenges and opportunities with a spirit of partnership rather than rivalry or domination, we can create a better future for all people in Xinjiang as well as the wider world.
Raphael Oni a Senior Diplomatic Correspondent writes in from Abuja Nigeria.

Western Propaganda: Africa and China Media Need to Collaborate

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International

Rwanda Warns that Allowing Hatred, Disunity to Fester Could Lead to Genocide

Published

4 weeks ago

April 7, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Rwanda Warns that Allowing Hatred, Disunity to Fester Could Lead to Genocide

By: Michael Mike

Rwanda has warned of the dangers of allowing hatred and disunity to fester, insisting that this could lead to genocide like it witnessed over 30 years ago where a million people were killed in the spate of 100 days.

The Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, stated this at the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Abuja.

The commemoration is observed under the multi-year theme, “Remember – Unite – Renew”.

Bazivamo stated that the path to lasting peace demands constant vigilance, adding that “As we renew, we restate our unbreakable pledge to fight intolerance, discrimination, ethnic hatred, hate speeches, genocide revisionism, and denial in all their forms.

“Unfortunately, this is happening today just beyond Rwanda’s borders in the Great Lakes region. We should never allow the embers of hatred to reignite.”

The High Commissioner further said: stated: “On this Kwibuka 30, together, we can ensure that the memory of the victims becomes a powerful force for good, inspiring future generations to choose peace over hate, unity over division, and hope over despair.

“This can be achieved in different ways including putting course lessons about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in schools and the establishment of memory symbols in remembrance of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to educate the young and the next generation on the need to fight hate ideologies and stand against any form of discrimination and divisionism. Let us work together to build a world where such atrocities never happen again.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar conveyed the condolences of the Nigerian government to the survivors of the genocide.

Tuggar represented by a former ambassador to Sudan, Safiu Olaniyan said: “Genocide should not be allowed to raise its head ever again.”

The Secretary General, United Nations, Antonio Guterres urged the world to stand as one against all forms of hatred and discrimination.

Guterres whose speech was read at the occasion by the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall noted that: “To those who would seek to divide us, we must deliver a clear, unequivocal and urgent message: never again.

“We can draw a straight line between the senseless slaughter of one million Tutsi — as well as some Hutu and others who opposed the genocide — and the decades of hate speech that preceded it, enflamed by ethnic tensions and the long shadow of colonialism.

“Today, around the world, the darkest impulses of humanity are being awakened once more by the voices of extremism, division and hate.

“On this solemn day of remembrance, let’s pledge to stand as one against all forms of hatred and discrimination.

In his remarks, a retired Nigerian Navy admiral, Samuel Alade who witnessed the genocide while in Rwanda said, “I commend the tenacity of purpose and the commitment of the Rwandans to make their nation an example of relevance.”

Rwanda Warns that Allowing Hatred, Disunity to Fester Could Lead to Genocide

International

Earthquake: Emergency agency warns about aftershocks in New York

Published

4 weeks ago

April 5, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Earthquake: Emergency agency warns about aftershocks in New York

New York State Emergency Management has warned that residents might experience aftershocks of the 4.8 magnitude earthquake, which occurred in the city and New Jersey on Friday.

The North American correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the earthquake, which occurred at 10:23a.m. local time ,eight miles northwest of Bridgewater, New Jersey ,affected some areas in New York.

It rattled skyscrapers and buildings across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

The emergency agency, in a safety alert issued , urged the public to call 911 if they were experiencing an emergency.

“ An earthquake occurred in New Jersey. The earthquake has been felt throughout New York State. Aftershocks may occur. Call 9-1-1 only if you or others are injured or have an emergency’’

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 is generally considered moderate, though it appears to be among the biggest earthquakes to ever affect New York City.

In addition to New York and New Jersey, the quake was felt in parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts .

New York governor Kathy Hochul said that the impact of the earthquake was being assessed.

“My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day.” she wrote on X .

Earthquake: Emergency agency warns about aftershocks in New York

International

Gaza: US Failed Resolution at UN was Biased- Envoy

Published

1 month ago

March 31, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Gaza: US Failed Resolution at UN was Biased- Envoy

By: Michael Mike

The Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah Shawesh has described as biased the failed United States resolution on Gaza.

Shawesh, who spoke to journalists at the weekend during his weekly briefing on the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza, also alleged that Israel has violated Ramadan ceasefire agreement,

He said U.S was biased in its resolution as it failed to call for immediate ceasefire.

Shawesh said, “On Friday, March 22, the USA presented a resolution before the Security Council, which did not pass due to a veto. In this regard, and despite many other criticisms, I would like to highlight the following points:

“So all what you hear on the media about the ceasefire resolution is spout empty words. The US resolution fail to call for an immediate ceasefire that the secretary of state Blinken theorize for it on the media day before tabling it on the security council as the magic stack to put an end to the human suffering in Gaza.

“The US resolution fell short of condemning the ongoing Israeli massacre against the Palestinian people. Instead, it gave Israel the green light to continue its textbook genocide.

“The US resolution emprise and incubated all the Israeli claims about Oct 7 even before any independent fact finding mission or inquiry mission established by independent intergovernmental body to come with final report on what happened on that day.

“The US resolution mentioned the 132 Israeli hostages in Gaza but did not say a word about the more than 7,000 abducted and hostage Palestinians in Israeli concentration camps and prisons, all of whom are subjected to torture, degradation, and ill-treatment, resulting in the deaths of 12 of them so far.

“This is a clear form of racism and white supremacy, prioritizing the lives of Israelis over the lives of Palestinians.

“The US resolution deliberately did not mention any single words on the UN body, UNRWA, which is the most expert and capable body to tackle the humanitarian crises in Gaza, in clear complicity to support the Israeli occupation request to dismantle it. When it came to the humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian no one can deny the crucial role that the UNRWA played since Al-Nakba 1948.

“It is important to note that the US Congress voted not to resume funding for UNRWA until at least 2025, a move welcomed by Israel, which declared that the UN agency will not be part of Gaza’s future.

The US did not mention Israel as the occupation power except one time in the context of the two state solution.”

He also accused the Israeli authorities of not respecting UN resolution which called for ceasefire during the ongoing Ramadan.

He said, “On Monday, March 25, the Security Council adopted the Resolution 2728 calling for an immediate ceasefire during the month of Ramadan. While the ink on the resolution is not yet dry, Israeli cannon barrels are still firing and claiming more innocent Palestinian lives.

“On a practical level, this means Israel has turned its back on the Security Council. Israeli pushback on the UN ceasefire resolution, and the war minister Yoav Gallant said Israel has no moral right to stop the war in Gaza.

“The Israeli occupation authorities have continued their aggression, restrictions, and repressive measures in the occupied West Bank since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

“They have deployed more than 24 military battalions there, imposed a comprehensive siege, cut off ties with partial sieges on all regions and towns, deployed over 750 checkpoints, installed more iron gates, and forced citizens to travel on bumpy roads that consume their time and money.”

He condemned the continue sales of weapons to Isreal, he said according Mary Lawlor – UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders: “There is no moral argument that justifies the continued sales of weapons to Israel. Over the past six months, Israel has unequivocally proven that it uses Western and foreign weapons indiscriminately against the Palestinian people. Why does the West continue to supply them?”

He also asked the everyone to pay attention to the UN Secretary General, António Guterres words that: “Palestinians in Gaza — children, women, men – remain stuck in a non-stop nightmare. Communities obliterated. Homes demolished. Entire families and generations wiped out. With hunger and starvation stalking the population. It is monstrous that after so much suffering over so many months, Palestinians in Gaza are marking Ramadan with Israeli bombs still falling, bullets still flying, artillery still pounding, and humanitarian assistance still facing obstacle upon obstacle.”

Shawesh said: “According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health as of Sunday, March 24, approximately 32,200 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli occupation forces. Among the victims, 72% were women (around 8,800) and children (approximately 13,750). Additionally, around 74,500 Palestinians have been injured, with a majority being women and children. It is estimated that more than 8,100 people are missing under the rubble.

Gaza: US Failed Resolution at UN was Biased- Envoy