Following the serious crisis in Sudan and the subsequent low media coverage, black celebrities on social media are following the lead of millionaire singer and global sensation Rihanna to use their platforms to spread the word about the ongoing situation in the country.
Face2FaceAfrica has been following the anti-government protests that resulted in the removal of President Omar al-Bashir from office and the military’s refusal to stand down after protesters demanded a swift restoration of democracy.
Early this month, the military attacked the brave and defiant protesters killing dozens of people including women and children while many were arrested and others left injured.
After her Instagram post on Monday about the Sudanese military brutality, Rihanna became the only celebrity to speak up by sharing her thoughts on social media. This attracted a lot of applause from supporters who also shared their concern about the crisis.
It didn’t take long for several other black celebrities and influential people to join in creating awareness and sending thoughts and prayers to the North African country.
African celebrities with huge reach such as Davido and Wizkid who are perceived as rivals in the industry also added their voices to the ongoing Sundanese crisis.
Taking to his Instagram story, Wizkid reposted the very emotional post by Rihanna a day after her post which has since gone viral.
Davido took to his Instagram to share a flag of Sudan with the caption: “#Prayforsudan They need our attention!!! ❤️?? ??” which gained over 25,000 likes and hundreds of similar comments in an hour.
The fast media attention Sudan is getting from the black community comes from the fact that the issue has been somewhat neglected by major media houses who have been criticized in the past for giving African issues little spotlight.
It is important to note that iconic African-American Civil Rights activist, Writer and feminist Angela Davis had sent words of solidarity and support to the Sudanese protesters and activists since April.
While lauding the success of the protests, she also urged them to continue with the struggle to achieve total democracy in the Arab nation.
“To the activists on the ground in Sudan, I would like on behalf of all those who are involved in progressive and radical social justice movements in the U.S. and elsewhere to congratulate you on your successes, particularly with the removal of al Bashir from power,” Davis stated.
“I know that you will continue to struggle until you achieve freedom, and peace, and justice,” she concluded.
Take a look at the video below:
