A group, Society for International Relations Awareness (SIRA), has called on all nations of the world to collaborate in developing an action plan to end colonialism globally.
Speaking yesterday (Monday August 12) in Abuja, the FCT, at the ongoing International Conference to End Colonialism in the World, SIRA’s President, Owei Lakemfa, said the conference was organised to address the problem of colonialism, revealing that countries like Western Sahara in Africa, American Samoa and Bermuda were yet to be freed from colonialism.
Lakemfa, a journalist and human rights activist, said at the conference with the theme ‘The Forgotten Peoples: International Conference to Decolonise the World’, “We aim to bring together people from colonised territories, liberation movements, and colonial administrators to discuss and agree on a possible timeline or framework for decolonisation.”
He pointed to the long-standing occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco and Mauritania, noting that “although Mauritania eventually withdrew, however, Morocco still controls Western Sahara.”
He stressed the urgency of freeing colonised territories globally, adding that the persistence of colonial rule in any form was a significant problem, akin to the enslavement of individuals or nations.
“Notably, Nigeria has played a significant role in this effort, having officially recognised Western Sahara’s sovereignty back in 1984.
“As the momentum builds, the hope is that within the next four to six years, a significant number of these territories will finally achieve self-governance.
”This will mark a pivotal step forward in the global push for freedom and equality,” he said.
Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the Chairperson of the conference, presented a paper titled: “The Forgotten Peoples: International Conference to Decolonise the World.”
He expressed sadness that there were still colonies across the globe, especially in the Caribbean still being colonised.
Gambari also served as the last Chair of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid and was a former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
He identified some of these territories as: American Samoa, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, and Western Sahara.
He called for a coordinated global effort to liberate colonised colonies.
Gambari stressed that the call was imperative in order to align with the ‘Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’, emphasising the equality of all human beings.
He added that UNGA on Dec.14, 1960 made its famous: “Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”, (General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV).
“The subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination and exploitation constituted, is a denial of fundamental human rights, contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and is an impediment to the promotion of world peace.
“It’s unfortunate and painful too that in spite of the UNGA declaration and many others, some countries still remain under colonialism.
“We are gathered here today and tomorrow to breathe life into this resolution by seeking a pathway to actualisation, rather than simply tick it off as another decade, and await a Fifth Decade.
“The colonised people can’t wait any longer as their patience has long been exhausted.
“Decolonisation needs an action Plan and an implementation plan. Humanity must not endlessly wait for this human scourge to be eradicated,” Gambari said.
He said that he was personally committed to decolonisation, adding, ”not just because I know it is the right thing to do, but more importantly, it is necessary for human progress, peace and development.
”As long as many people remain not free under colonialism, none of us can consider ourselves free.”
The conference was attended by dignitaries from around the world. (NAN)
