The presidential candidate for African Action Congress (AAC) and pro-democracy activist, Omoyele Sowore, has joined protesters in New York, United States, in a demonstration calling for an end to the war in Gaza and expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
Sowore, who shared a video of himself at the protest, said he joined the demonstration to demand justice for Palestinians and an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“Yes, today in New York, I joined the Free Palestine protest. No justice, no peace! Free Palestine!
“I condemn the genocide being committed by the state of Israel in Gaza.
“I joined to make it clear that Nigerians stand for justice and human rights for Palestinians,” he said.
The protest took place amid renewed demonstrations in New York over the Gaza conflict, with protesters gathering around the United Nations as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the city.
Jewish Voice for Peace said hundreds of Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian and Lebanese New Yorkers participated in a mass anti-war demonstration on September 24, calling for an end to US support for Israel and the war in Gaza.
Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, has been involved in political activism and street protests in Nigeria for decades.
His activism dates back to his university years, when he participated in student protests at the University of Lagos. He later became prominent nationally through the #RevolutionNow protests launched in 2019, which called for political and economic reforms and greater accountability from government.
Sowore was arrested by the Department of State Services in August 2019 over his involvement in the planned protests and was subsequently charged with offences including treason, cybercrime and money laundering. Human Rights Watch described him at the time as a pro-democracy activist and former presidential candidate and called for his release.
He has continued to participate in protests and campaigns on political, economic and human rights issues.
The latest demonstration comes amid the continuing Gaza war, which intensified after Hamas and other armed groups attacked communities in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and abducting 251 others, according to the United Nations.
Israel subsequently launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza.
The UN has reported tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure and repeated displacement of much of Gaza’s population.
The conflict has triggered protests and international debate over Israel’s military operations, Hamas’ attacks and hostage-taking, the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the legal characterisation of Israel’s actions.
The International Court of Justice is considering a case brought by South Africa alleging that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate the Genocide Convention. Israel has rejected the allegation.
