Africa in a week

Editorial

Al-Aqsa Flood operation had profound implications, particularly in Africa and the Arab world. This large-scale military action launched by Hamas has overshadowed other events in these regions. Politically and strategically, it drew significant attention away from ongoing conflicts in Africa and the Arab world. Internationally, the operation escalated tensions between Israel and Palestine, resulting in widespread protests across Africa and the Arab world. The media coverage of this operation has been extensive, making it a focal point for discussions on regional stability, human rights violations, and international intervention policies. Consequently, other news stories that would have otherwise gained significant prominence were placed on the backburner during this critical period.

The African Union's Stance on the Al-Aqsa Flood

The Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has taken a different stance compared to his European counterpart. He has called for an end to the conflict and urged both parties to return to the negotiating table without any preconditions. The goal is to implement the principle of two states living side by side.

In a statement published by the African Union, Mahamat called on the international community and major world powers to take responsibility for establishing peace and ensuring the rights of both peoples. The statement emphasized that depriving the Palestinian people of their basic rights, especially those associated with an independent and sovereign state, is the main reason for the ongoing tension between Israelis and Palestinians.

North Africa

Algeria's Euphoria

Algeria is celebrating a victory after the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation and showing widespread support for the Palestinian resistance. The Algerians felt a great sense of triumph upon receiving news of the military operation carried out by the Palestinian resistance against the Israeli occupier. This news dominated local media and sparked hundreds of thousands of interactions on social media platforms like Facebook.

Algerians closely followed the military operation on Facebook, sharing pictures of the resistance heroes and their brave actions. Some even turned to alternative platforms like Telegram to watch videos of the operation. The Algerians expressed their support for the resistance through prayers and sarcastic memes targeting the Israeli occupation army.

At an official level, the Algerian Foreign Ministry issued a statement reaffirming its support for the Palestinian people. Algeria has consistently taken a strong position on this issue, remaining steadfast against normalization with Israel and providing aid to the Palestinians.

Morocco's Concern

The Kingdom of Morocco has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions and military actions in the Gaza Strip. The country condemns the targeting of civilians by any party involved. Morocco has long warned about the repercussions of the political impasse on peace in the region and emphasizes the importance of an immediate cessation of violence, a return to calm, and the avoidance of escalation. The statement highlights that dialogue and negotiations are the only way to achieve a comprehensive and lasting solution based on international legitimacy resolutions and the principle of a two-state solution.

Egypt

Egypt's Presidential Elections

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is expected to win re-election, utilizing a repressive state apparatus. However, the campaign period could also boost opposition activism. According to writer Hossam Al-Hamalawy, the upcoming elections do not hold any suspense regarding the final result for Sisi. In 2013, Sisi led a military coup against Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi. Since then, he has maintained power by capitalizing on fear and promising economic prosperity.

Tunisia

Families Demand Justice

The sons of four imprisoned Tunisian opposition figures have called on the International Criminal Court to investigate political persecution and the deteriorating human rights situation in Tunisia. Lawyers representing the families have filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court, urging its prosecutor to investigate the country's leaders.

Since President Kais Saied came to power in late 2019, his rule has become increasingly repressive. He suspended Parliament, dismissed the Prime Minister, and dissolved the Judicial Council. Numerous arrests have taken place, targeting opposition politicians, former ministers, scholars, businessmen, and activists.

News Roundup: Updates from Sub-Saharan Africa

South Sahara

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso Leader Prioritizes Security Over Elections

The military commander of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, recently stated that elections in the country are not a priority compared to ensuring security. Burkina Faso has been dealing with jihadist violence, and Traore believes that addressing this issue should take precedence. Although Traore had initially promised to hold presidential elections by July 2024, he now plans to make changes to the constitution to better represent the people. However, a year after taking power, the country continues to face attacks from jihadists.

Niger

Military Junta Rejects Algeria's Proposed Transition Period

Following the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power, Niger's military leaders have accepted Algeria's offer to mediate. However, they have made it clear that they will ultimately decide the timetable for a return to democracy. Algeria proposed a six-month transition period, but the military council believes that the process could take up to three years. They want to consider reforms and the results of a national dialogue. It is worth noting that ISIS attacks have increased since the military seized power and promised to reclaim territory from the militants.

Sierra Leone

Supreme Court Orders Publication of Voter Registry

The Supreme Court of Liberia has summoned the National Elections Commission to publish the final list of voters just days before the upcoming elections. Although the commission claimed to have posted the voter list on its website, various political parties and concerned citizens were unable to access it. This has caused confusion and led to two opposition parties filing a lawsuit to force the commission to publish the document. According to regulations, voter lists must be made available at least 30 days before the election date. Liberians are set to choose their next president and representatives on October 10.

Ghana

The Central Bank of Ghana Faces Financial Crisis

Ghana, once considered Africa's leading economic success story, is currently experiencing an unprecedented financial crisis. Demonstrators recently took to the streets of Accra, the capital, demanding the resignation of the governor of the Bank of Ghana and his deputies. The opposition party, National Democratic Congress, led the protest, accusing the bank of illegally printing money to lend to the government. This alleged action has resulted in currency devaluation and high inflation. The bank denies mismanagement but attributes the losses to exchange rate fluctuations and non-payment of loans by state institutions.

Sudan

  Apparently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is secretly helping one side in Sudan's war. They're pretending to rescue refugees, but really they're giving weapons and drones to one group and even treating their injured fighters. The UAE is also using their planes to bring seriously injured fighters to their military hospital. This is all according to The Guardian newspaper and a bunch of officials from different countries. The UAE is trying to be a big player in Africa, and it looks like they're supporting a powerful group called the Rapid Support Forces. But here's the thing, this group has been accused of doing some really bad stuff. Sudan's regular armed forces are already fighting a civil war that has killed thousands of civilians and displaced millions of people. It's a really tough situation over there.

Ethiopia

 Ethiopia has just signed a big agreement with the European Union (EU). The EU is giving Ethiopia 650 million euros (that's a lot of money!) to help with different things. But here's the catch, the EU originally planned to give them even more money, one billion euros to be exact. But because of the fighting in the Tigray region, they had to suspend it. The Tigray war has been really bad, with lots of people dying and terrible things happening. The EU wants Ethiopia to hold those responsible for the crimes accountable before they can have normal relations again. It's a tough situation, but hopefully, things will get better soon.

Somalia

  There's been some fierce fighting happening there. Pro-government fighters and militants from a group called Al-Shabab have been battling it out in the Shabello Forest. It's been a really tough fight, with lots of casualties on both sides. The Somali forces and their allies have been trying to get rid of Al-Shabab, who have been causing trouble since 2006. At first, the Somali forces were doing well, but then they got surprised by sniper fire. It's a really difficult task to defeat Al-Shabab, but the government is determined to keep going. Right now, they're focusing on central Somalia, but they plan to go after Al-Shabab in the south too. It won't be easy, but they're not giving up!

Chad

Chad's President Promises Transition to Civilian Rule, with Opposition Skeptical  

President Mohamed Idriss Deby is travelling around Chad, talking about how he is working hard to keep the peace and bring back civilian rule. He says he follows the decisions made during the Comprehensive National Dialogue in October 2022. 

However, the political opposition in Chad is not so sure about the president's promises. They believe that the country is still facing problems like hunger, poverty, and armed conflict since President Deby took power in April 2021. They think that he hasn't done enough to solve these issues.

President Deby became the head of a transitional council for 18 months after his father passed away in April 2021. His father was visiting soldiers on the front line when he got hurt and later died. This means that President Deby took over as the leader of Chad.

The transition to democracy was supposed to end in October 2022. However, the military leaders decided to extend it for another 24 months. They did this through a big meeting called the Inclusive and Sovereign National Dialogue, which happened from August 2022 to October 2022 in NDjamena, the capital city of Chad. During this meeting, they also said that President Deby could run for president in the elections happening in November 2024.

Timane Erdimi is the leader of a rebel group called the Union of Forces of Resistance in Chad. He told reporters that President Deby didn't do what he promised after a peace talk in Doha. Erdimi also said that the president is not following the decisions made during the national dialogue. This is why the opposition is skeptical about the president's plans.

France, the European Union, and the African Union have asked President Deby to stick to the deadline for the elections in November 2024. They want him to make sure that the elections happen on time and that they are fair and free for everyone.

The Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories has been an ongoing and contentious issue, evoking strong emotions and opinions from all sides. Throughout history, this unfortunate reality has raised concerns regarding human rights violations, political instability, and the long-standing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. By examining the Israeli occupation we can gain a deeper understanding of this complex issue.

Historical Context and Occupied Territories:

The historical context of the Palestinian-occupied territories is complex and multifaceted, encompassing a range of political, social, and economic factors. The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent displacement of Palestinians from their ancestral lands, known as the Nakba.

The occupation itself began in 1967 after Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip during the Six-Day War. Since then, Israel has maintained control over these areas through various military policies such as settlements, checkpoints, and restrictions on movement. This has resulted in widespread violations of human rights for Palestinians including land confiscation, home demolitions, arbitrary arrests, and limited access to basic services.

The ongoing occupation has had a significant impact on Palestinian society and continues to be a major barrier to peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine. It is crucial to understand this historical context when analyzing the current situation in order to advocate for a just resolution for all parties involved.

The human rights violations suffered by Palestinians have been well-documented and continue to be a matter of grave concern. Palestinian individuals face various forms of discrimination, oppression, and violence on a daily basis, particularly in the occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. They endure restrictions on freedom of movement as a result of numerous Israeli military checkpoints and barriers, collectively punishing an entire population.

The construction of illegal settlements by Israel in these areas violates international law and leads to forced displacement, confiscation of property, and loss of livelihoods for Palestinians.

Moreover, the ongoing blockade imposed on Gaza has resulted in dire socio-economic conditions, including limited access to clean water, proper healthcare facilities, and basic infrastructure. These systemic violations have been condemned by numerous reputable human rights organizations like Amnesty International (source), Human Rights Watch (source), and United Nations agencies such as UNHCR (source), signaling the urgent need for international attention and action to address this long-standing crisis.

Political Implications:

The Israeli occupation has substantial political implications that make it a highly complex matter. Various political motivations and interests, including national security concerns, religious and historical claims, and Israeli settlements, fuel the continuation of the occupation. These complex political dynamics pose significant challenges when seeking to rectify the situation and establish a viable path towards peace.

Economic Ramifications:

Another dimension to understanding the Israeli occupation is considering its economic ramifications. The occupation has led to significant disparities in economic development between Israeli settlements and Palestinian territories. Palestinians suffer from restricted access to resources, limited economic opportunities, and stifled development, exacerbating their overall socio-economic conditions.

Impact on Palestinian Society:

Examining the Israeli occupation necessitates understanding its profound impact on Palestinian society. The occupation has bred a culture of resistance, contributing to the rise of grassroots movements and political factions. Additionally, the occupation's psychological effects on Palestinians, such as trauma and a sense of injustice, shape individuals' lives and the collective Palestinian narrative.

Regional Security Concerns:

The Israeli occupation's ramifications extend beyond individual territories and have serious regional security implications. It fuels anti-Israeli sentiment and contributes to radicalization, strengthening extremist groups that aim to challenge Israel's presence. The occupation's continuation hampers the prospects for regional stability, hindering efforts to build trust and cooperation among neighboring states.

International Response and Diplomatic Efforts:

Addressing the Israeli occupation requires acknowledging the international response and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. Multiple peace initiatives have been proposed, such as the Oslo Accords and the peace process, but have encountered obstacles in implementation. International actors, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States, play significant roles in mediating the conflict, yet a genuine breakthrough remains elusive.

The Israeli occupation is undeniably a grim reality, marked by a complex web of historical, political, and humanitarian elements.   By analyzing the occupation's historical context, human rights violations, political implications, economic ramifications, societal impact, regional security concerns, international response, and diplomatic efforts, we can appreciate the gravity of the situation and strive for a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of all parties involved.

Sources:

1. Khalidi, Rashid I. "The Iron Cage
2. Morris B., Benny "Righteous Victims
3. Amnesty International
4. Human Rights Watch
5. UNHCR

1. The right to self-determination.Palestinians should have the right to determine their own destiny and to establish their own independent state. The occupation denies them this right.
2. The right to freedom of movement.Palestinians are severely restricted in their ability to move freely within the occupied territories and to enter and leave occupied Palestine. Zionist occupation imposes a system of checkpoints, roadblocks, and permits that make it difficult for Palestinians to go about their daily lives.
3. The right to freedom of assembly.Palestinians are often denied the right to assemble peacefully and to express their political views. The occupation frequently cracks down on protests and demonstrations and has arrested and detained thousands of Palestinians for their political activities.
4. The right to freedom of religion.Palestinians are often denied the right to practice their religion freely. The occupation has imposed restrictions on access to mosques and other holy sites and has destroyed or damaged many religious buildings.
5. The right to education.Palestinian children have limited access to education. The occupation has destroyed or damaged many schools and has made it difficult for Palestinian teachers and students to travel to and from schools.
6. The right to healthcare.Palestinians have limited access to healthcare. The occupation has destroyed or damaged many hospitals and clinics and has made it difficult for Palestinian patients and medical staff to travel to and from healthcare facilities.
7. The right to housing.Many Palestinians have been displaced from their homes by the occupation. The occupation has demolished many Palestinian homes and villages and built many settlements on Palestinian land.
8. The right to work.Palestinians are often denied the right to work. The occupation has imposed restrictions on Palestinian businesses and has made it difficult for Palestinians to find jobs.
9. The right to water.Palestinians have limited access to water. The occupation controls water resources in the occupied territories and has prioritized the needs of Zionist settlers over the needs of Palestinians.
10. The right to a just and durable peace.Palestinians should have the right to live in peace and security. The occupation has made it impossible for Palestinians to achieve this right

• These are just some of the reasons why Palestinians resist the Zionist occupation. The Palestinian people have a long and rich history, and they are determined to achieve their freedom and independence.

Representatives of the Kuwaiti parliament responded to the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, stressing that it is an operation that revives the nation again.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Muhammad Al-Mutair, said, “The circles revolve around the oppressor, a phrase that summarizes the scene of the Al-Aqsa flood... a process that revives in the nation the spirit of pride and honor and dissatisfaction with humiliation and indignity.”

Representative Marzouq Al-Ghanem said: “The Palestine issue will not die because it is a belief in the heart of every Muslim. Have you heard or read that a belief that a thousand million people carry in their hearts can die? People die for the sake of faith. Whoever believes that Palestine is not his issue must review himself and his belief.”

Representative Prof. Dr. Hamad Al-Matar said: In the past few weeks, the Zionists have committed crimes equal to what they have done in the entire history of their occupation of our occupied lands. They stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque, assaulted the worshipers, insulted, and beat the pure worshipers with the most violent means, and indiscriminately killed the men, women and children who participated in the demonstrations to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque.” He added: Restoring the dignity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and supporting our religion is recorded today by the Mujahideen of Gaza.

Representative Osama Al-Shaheen said: If this was the action of activists besieged in Palestine, how would they have done it if Muslim governments had supported them? The Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood is now taking place on a large scale in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem, inflicting heavy losses on the Zionist occupation.

Representative Khaled Munis Al-Otaibi said: The Palestine resistance is writing a new history that demolishes calls to surrender to the enemy, demolishes theories of submission, and revives hope for a tomorrow that is not governed by fait accompli politics. He recited the noble verse: “Enter upon them by the gate, for when you have entered it you shall surely be victorious.”

Representative Abdulaziz Al-Saqabi said after he recited the noble verse, “Those who do wrong will come to know by what a (great) reverse they will be overturned!” History proves that injustice and tyranny will one day turn against its owner.

Representative Hamad Al-Madlij said after reciting the noble verse: “ Then when the final promise came, [We sent your enemies] to sadden your faces and to enter the temple in Jerusalem, as they entered it the first time.” It is an established belief for every Muslim to be loyal and victorious to whoever defends Al-Aqsa.

 Representative Abdul Hadi Al-Ajmi said, “Our readings of history have always proven that resistant peoples win, even after a while.”

Representative Muhammad Al-Raqib said: These are the youth of the nation. In a few hours, they restored the prestige of Islam and the pride of Muslims. He called on God to protect them and grant them victory.

 Representative Shuaib Shaaban said that the Al-Aqsa flood is sweeping the Zionist entity and imposing a new reality on the world. A reality that does not know submission to the occupier and does not accept surrender to the veto of the enemies of humanity. Then he repeated the noble verse," Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory."

Representative Jarrah Al-Fawzan said after repeating the holy verse, “ Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people.”, What the Palestinian resistance did in the face of Zionist tyranny, is a recording of a new phase in the history of resistance against the Zionist occupier.  

Former MP Mohammed Al-Dalal said: Those who normalize with the Zionists and those who seek to support him are in a very critical situation!

 Representative Osama Al-Zaid gave the Palestinian resistance a great salute for proving to the world that the Zionist usurper is an entity of ashes... standing behind major countries that provide it with all their power, in contrast to the defenseless Palestinian people who stand alone, supported only by God and those on their right side must perform miracles.

Hamas Strikes the Occupying Entity with Thousands of Missiles

The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas, has launched a huge military operation against the Zionist entity. They have done this by launching thousands of rockets, infiltrating, and storming settlements, and killing and capturing Zionists.

Operation "Al-Aqsa Flood" Begins

Muhammad Al-Deif, the Commander-in-Chief of the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced the start of Operation "Al-Aqsa Flood" against the aggressor entity. They fired thousands of rockets towards the aggressor entity to kick off the operation.

Intense Attacks from the Palestinian Resistance

Since this morning, the Palestinian resistance has been launching intense missile barrages from the Gaza Strip towards the Zionist entity. They have also been infiltrating the Zionist entity by land, sea, and air. Sirens have been sounding in multiple areas, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ashdod, and Ashkelon.

Zionists Respond with Iron Dome

The Zionist military has activated the Iron Dome and sounded sirens in response to the attacks. The occupation army has declared preparedness for a state of war after Palestinians infiltrated the heart of Israel.

Zionist Prime Minister Vows to Win

Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video speech, "We are in a state of war, and we will win it." He expressed confidence in Zionist's ability to overcome the situation.

Operation "Iron Swords" Launched by Zionists

The Zionist army has launched Operation "Iron Swords" against the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas attack.

Zionist Casualties Reported

According to Zionist Channel 12, at least 22 Israelis have been killed in the Hamas attack. Additionally, Hamas has captured 35 Zionists since the start of the attack from Gaza.

Uncertain Number of Dead and Wounded

Zionist media has reported that it is difficult to determine the exact number of dead and wounded so far. However, Soroka Hospital in Beersheba has already received over 140 injured individuals, with 20 of them in serious condition. More than 500 injured people, including critical and serious cases, have arrived in Zionist hospitals.

Casualties in Gaza

According to medical sources, two martyrs and five injuries have arrived at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the central Gaza Strip.

Zionist Officials Assess the Situation

Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will hold a session with senior security officials to assess the situation on this Saturday afternoon.

 
The BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement against the Zionist entity is a global campaign aimed at pressuring the Zionist entity to change its policies towards Palestinians living under occupation. Advocates argue that BDS is a nonviolent means to promote justice, equality, and human rights. However, the movement has been met with significant controversy, with critics accusing it of anti-Semitism and de-legitimization of the Zionist entity. We will explore the BDS movement's objectives, tactics, challenges, its impact on the Zionist-Palestinian conflict, and the wider global political landscape.  

Objectives and Tactics of the BDS Movement:
The primary objective of the BDS movement is to encourage the Zionist entity to comply with international law by ending the occupation of Palestinian territories, granting equal rights to Palestinian citizens of the Zionist entity, and recognizing the rights of Palestinian refugees. To achieve this, BDS utilizes various tactics, including promoting boycotts of Israeli goods, encouraging divestment from companies complicit in the occupation, and calling for sanctions against the Zionist entity. These strategies aim to exert economic and political pressure on Israel to bring about policy changes and promote Palestinian rights.

Controversy Surrounding BDS:
The BDS movement has been a subject of heated debates and controversy. Critics argue that the movement unfairly singles out the Zionist entity for condemnation while ignoring human rights issues in other parts of the world. Accusations of anti-Semitism have also been raised, claiming that BDS campaigns often blur the lines between critique of Zionist policies and anti-Jewish sentiment, leading to a toxic environment on college campuses and beyond. These criticisms have deepened divisions, making a fair evaluation of the movement's merits challenging.

Impact on the Zionist-Palestinian Conflict:
Assessing the actual impact of the BDS movement on the Zionist-Palestinian conflict is complex. Proponents argue that BDS has raised awareness about the occupation and the denial of Palestinian rights, effectively mobilizing grassroots support for Palestinians and increasing international pressure on the Zionist entity to change its policies. However, some critics claim that BDS has had minimal economic impact on the Zionist entity, while others argue that it has contributed to a hardening of positions and hindered dialogue and constructive engagement between Israelis and Palestinians.

Influence on Global Political Landscape:
The BDS movement has not only affected the Zionist-Palestinian conflict but has also sparked significant discussions and actions within the global political landscape. Several prominent figures, including academics, artists, and even some government entities, have endorsed or embraced components of the BDS movement. This has prompted counter-movements and legislation seeking to criminalize BDS activities in certain countries. Consequently, the BDS movement has become an integral part of broader debates on human rights, free speech, and the Palestinian cause, challenging long-standing narratives and positions.

Challenges and Future Prospects:
The BDS movement faces several challenges, including maintaining a unified message, addressing accusations of anti-Semitism, and effectively expanding its influence beyond its traditional support base. Moreover, the movement experiences difficulties in achieving tangible goals, as the Zionist government and its allies have actively opposed BDS efforts through legal means and counter-campaigns. However, the continuing growth of BDS has demonstrated its resilience, shining a spotlight on Palestinian rights, and maintaining international attention on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The BDS movement has emerged as a significant force within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, generating both support and criticism on a global scale. The movement's objectives, tactics, and challenges present a nuanced and complex situation that requires careful analysis and understanding. It is crucial to differentiate legitimate critique of Zionist policies from anti-Semitism while considering the broader context of human rights, international law, and political dynamics in the region. Ultimately, an inclusive and constructive approach remains vital to finding a just and sustainable solution to the Zionist-Palestinian conflict.

A Special Campaign in Ukraine

In the city of Odesa, Ukraine, the Islamic Cultural Center Mosque (Al Masar) hosted a campaign called "Mercy to the Worlds." The goal of this campaign was to introduce the Holy Prophet and the message of Islam to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Despite the ongoing war and economic challenges, hundreds of people attended these events.

First Ceremony for Non-Muslims

The first ceremony, held last Sunday, was specifically for non-Muslims. Dr. Hamza Issa, the Director of the Islamic Cultural Center, gave a lecture introducing the Holy Prophet and the teachings of Islam. Mrs. Tanzila Sergeyevna also spoke about the status and honour of women in Islam. Since many of the attendees were women, their positive response showed the impact of learning about Islam and its Messenger.

Second Ceremony for Muslims

The second ceremony, held on Monday, was dedicated to Muslims in Odessa. It included lectures about the Holy Prophet and ended with distributing gifts to children and a group feeding.

16 Years of Introducing the Messenger (ﷺ)

Dr. Hamza Issa, in an interview, explained that the "Mercy to the Worlds" campaign has been ongoing for 16 years. It started as a response to offensive cartoons of the Holy Prophet in Denmark. Ukrainian Muslims wanted to counter these insults by introducing the true worth and value of the Prophet through educational activities.

Why We Celebrate the Prophet's Birthday

In addition to the campaign, Ukrainian Muslims have been celebrating the Prophet's birthday as a way to introduce his teachings and calling. These celebrations go beyond dining and poetry, focusing on educational seminars, events, and street tours.

Restarting the Campaign

The campaign had to pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. However, this year, the organizers decided to restart the campaign in areas where Muslims live safely. The aim is to strengthen the identity of Muslim children and introduce the Prophet to non-Muslims.

Gifts and Introduction to the Prophet (ﷺ)

The "Mercy to the Worlds 16" campaign began in Odessa, inviting non-Muslims on the first day. Around 400 people attended, and they were provided with food, gifts, and books about the Prophet.

Thirst for Knowledge

The ceremony included a Q&A session where attendees could ask questions about Islam and the Prophet(ﷺ). The organizers also explained the meaning of "mercy to the worlds" and how the Prophet (ﷺ) showed mercy by helping people in need. Many attendees had been affected by the war and appreciated the support. The event concluded with the distribution of food aid to families, emphasizing the importance of peace and love.