Poverty and Hunger: The Weaponization Against the African Masses

The recent tragic stampedes in Nigeria, which recently claimed over 67 lives across multiple locations during Christmas charity events, are not isolated incidents. They are a stark reminder of the systemic weaponization of poverty and hunger against the African masses. These tragedies, fueled by desperation for basic necessities, reveal how deeply entrenched inequality and neglect have perpetuated a cycle of suffering that serves political and economic agendas.

Image Source: Peoples' Gazette

In Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, the paradox of wealth and widespread poverty is glaring. Inflation has soared to a 28-year high of 34.6%, and the naira’s value continues to plummet, plunging millions into deeper poverty. The rising cost of living means that many families can no longer afford daily meals, let alone basic amenities. The desperation seen at these charity events underscores the depth of this crisis: people are literally dying for food.

This weaponization of poverty is not accidental; it is a calculated outcome of decades of poor governance, corruption, and systemic neglect. Political elites often exploit the masses' vulnerability for their gain. By keeping citizens dependent on handouts and devoid of economic opportunities, they maintain a cycle of control and exploitation. Charity events, like those that turned fatal in Nigeria, are sometimes tools to pacify the masses rather than address the root causes of poverty.

Hunger is equally a weapon, used to distract and weaken populations. A hungry population is less likely to mobilize for meaningful political change, less likely to demand accountability, and more likely to accept subpar governance. The sheer number of people scrambling for handouts at these events is a testament to how hunger has been institutionalized as a means of control.

The Nigerian government’s response to the stampedes—mandating better crowd control at charity events—is superficial at best. Real change requires addressing the structural issues that perpetuate poverty and hunger. This includes investing in sustainable agricultural practices, creating employment opportunities, and holding leaders accountable for corrupt practices that siphon public resources.

Poverty and hunger must no longer be tools for oppression. African governments, civil society, and the international community must work together to break this cycle, ensuring that the masses are empowered to live with dignity and security. Until then, tragedies like those in Nigeria will continue to cast a dark shadow over the continent’s potential.