While We Pray for Others, Who Prays for Africa?
"This article is for educational purposes and does not promote any political or religious agenda."
Introduction
In recent years, many Africans have become deeply involved in religious conflicts happening far away, especially in the Middle East.
People are choosing sides, some for Israel, some for Palestine, some for Iran, some for Saudi Arabia, all in the name of religion.
But while we argue, protest, or post online about these foreign conflicts, most of times we forget the problems facing our own people here in Africa.
This article gives an insight on:
- How religion came to Africa.
- How foreign conflicts affect us.
- Real-life examples.
- Why it's important to focus on African struggles first.
1. How Religion Came to Africa.
Islam:
Islam came to Africa more than 1,300 years ago, mainly through peaceful trade, not by war. Arab traders from the Middle East brought the religion as they exchanged goods like gold, salt, and ivory with African communities along the coasts and across the Sahara.
At first, Islam integrated well with local customs. African kings and scholars accepted it while still respecting their own traditions. This gave rise to great cities like Timbuktu in Mali, which became world-famous centers of Islamic learning, libraries, and universities.
But as time went, some African Muslims began to imitate Arab culture, forgetting or rejecting African values, languages, and customs.
This created a cultural gap, where being a “good Muslim” was seen as being less African.
Christianity:
Christianity also came to Africa early as far back as the 1st century AD, especially in Ethiopia and parts of North Africa.
Ethiopia became one of the first Christian nations in the world, with its own churches and traditions that still exist today.
Later, during the colonial period, European missionaries spread Christianity across the rest of Africa. But unlike the early Ethiopian Church, many of these missionaries told Africans to abandon their traditional beliefs, languages, dress, and even names, and to adopt European ways of life.
As a result, many Africans began to feel that only European or Middle Eastern religious leaders had authority, while African spiritual leaders were pushed aside or ignored.
This weakened African identity and unity.
2. In recent times, many Africans have grown emotionally involved in wars happening far away, especially in the Middle East, even when those conflicts have little or no direct link to African realities.
Example 1: Israel vs. Palestine
When fighting breaks out in places like Gaza, many Africans quickly take sides:
- Some support Israel because of Biblical connections and stories.
- Others support Palestine, seeing them as fellow Muslims facing oppression and injustice.
The case of Nigeria (2021)
During one major Gaza conflict, protests in Nigeria broke out in support of Palestine. Social media was filled with heated arguments and exchange of harsh words between African Christians and Muslims.
Yet, at the same time, Nigeria was facing its own crises, including kidnappings, hunger, bandit attacks, and economic hardship. Still, most people focused more on the foreign war than their local problems.
Example 2: Iran vs. Saudi Arabia
This religious rivalry has also reached Africa:
- Some African Muslims adopt teachings from Iran (Shia Islam).
- Others follow Saudi Arabia (Sunni Islam), sometimes because of funded mosques and scholarships.
The case of Nigeria and Senegal
In both countries, Shia Muslims are often viewed with suspicion or accused of spreading foreign ideas.
Meanwhile, Saudi-funded schools and mosques promote strict forms of Islam that don’t always fit with African traditions, causing tension within communities.
Example 3: Israel vs. Hamas (2023–2024)
In late 2023, the Israel–Hamas conflict exploded after Hamas launched a deadly surprise attack. Israel responded with massive airstrikes on Gaza, killing large number of civilians and destroying massive infrastructures.
Across Africa, the reaction was loud:
- Some supported Israel, quoting Bible stories and prophecy.
- Others backed Palestine, seeing them as fellow Muslims under attack.
Example 4: Iran, Israel, and the U.S. Tensions (2024–2025)
By 2024, tensions between Iran and Israel grew worse. Iran supported groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, while Israel carried out drone strikes deep into Iranian territory. The United States sided with Israel, supplying weapons and public support.
As usual African Christians raised their voices on social media praising America and and Israel while Muslims sided firmly with Iran.
The social media exchanges became even more toxic, full of insults and division. It was heartbreaking.
Africa’s forgotten Wars: Congo, Sudan, and Somalia.
While many Africans argue about wars in the Middle East, deadly crises continue at home, often in silence.
Congo (DRC):
Eastern Congo has faced decades of conflict, with armed groups killing civilians, raping women, and displacing many people. The world rarely notices, and many Africans don’t either.
Over 6 million people have died since the 1990s, one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II.
Sudan:
In 2023, a brutal civil war broke out between the army and a powerful militia (RSF). Cities like Khartoum were bombed, and many people were displaced. Children are dying from hunger and bullets, yet global focus stays on Gaza or Ukraine.
Somalia:
Somalia has battled terrorism, drought, and poverty for over 30 years. Al-Shabaab continues to launch deadly attacks, while climate disasters destroy farms. The suffering is immense, but rarely seen in international headlines.
These are African tragedies, happening to African people, yet many of us only raise our voices for foreign battles.
“If we don't fight for ourselves, who will?”
Why are we not arguing constructively on social media for Africa?
3. What Africa Is Losing in the Process?
When we focus too much on foreign religious fights, we lose sight of our own problems.
a) Unity is broken.
We fight each other over foreign issues instead of working together as Africans.
b) Our own problems are ignored.
While we debate about Gaza or Israel, we forget:
- Children going hungry.
- Girls missing school.
- Corrupt leaders stealing money.
- Conflicts in Congo, Sudan, or Ethiopia.
c) Outside control.
Many churches and mosques are funded by foreign powers. They may push their own political ideas, not what is best for Africa.
4. What Can We Do as Africans?
Here’s how we can break free from this trap:
- Believe in your faith, but be wise. Being Christian or Muslim doesn’t mean you must fight someone else’s war. You can believe without being used.
- Focus on your community first. It’s okay to care about global issues, but don’t forget your own people.
- Learn and celebrate African heroes of faith.
Africa has its own saints, scholars, healers, and freedom fighters. They deserve honor too.
Remember the Motherland.
Religious conflicts in the Middle East are not African battles.
Africa is still facing hunger, poverty, war, and injustice. That’s where our energy should go.
“Pray for peace around the world, but fight for justice at home just as they are fighting for theirs at their home without mentioning Africa.”
Let’s stop being pulled into conflicts that are not ours. Instead, let’s build a better future for our own people.
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