The recent killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by the United States has sparked widespread outrage and protests not only in Iran, but also in other countries with strong ties to the Islamic Republic. One such country is Nigeria, where the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), a Shia Muslim movement, has taken to the streets to express their anger and solidarity with Iran.
The IMN, also known as the Shiites, has been a vocal supporter of Iran for decades. Led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, the movement has been advocating for the establishment of an Islamic state in Nigeria and has been critical of the Nigerian government for its close ties with the United States. The killing of Soleimani, who was seen as a hero by many Shiites, has only intensified their support for Iran and their opposition to the US.
On January 3rd, thousands of Shiites took to the streets of the Nigerian capital, Abuja, to protest the killing of Soleimani. They carried banners and chanted slogans denouncing the US and showing their support for Iran and its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protest was peaceful, but tensions were high as the Nigerian police had previously clashed with the Shiites and even banned their protests.
The Shiites in Nigeria have a long history of persecution and marginalization. Despite being the second-largest religious group in the country, they face discrimination and violence from the Sunni Muslim majority. In 2015, the Nigerian army carried out a brutal crackdown on the IMN, killing hundreds of its members, including Zakzaky’s sons. Zakzaky himself was arrested and has been in detention ever since, despite court orders for his release.
The killing of Soleimani has not only reignited the Shiites’ anger towards the Nigerian government but has also brought to the surface their grievances against the US. They see the US as the main instigator of the violence against them and view the killing of Soleimani as a direct attack on their community. This sentiment was echoed by Sheikh Zakzaky himself, who called the killing a “declaration of war” on the Shiites.
The Shiites in Nigeria also see Iran as a champion of their cause. They admire Iran’s Islamic revolution and its resistance against Western powers. They also see Iran as a defender of oppressed Muslims around the world, including the Shiites in Nigeria. The ties between the two countries have only grown stronger in recent years, with Iran providing financial and military support to the IMN.
The Nigerian government, on the other hand, has been wary of the Shiites’ close ties with Iran. They see the movement as a threat to national security and have accused them of being funded by Iran to destabilize the country. The government has also labeled the IMN as a terrorist organization, a move that has been strongly condemned by human rights organizations.
The killing of Soleimani has further strained the already tense relationship between the Nigerian government and the Shiites. The government has issued a statement condemning the killing, but it has also warned against any protests or demonstrations in support of Iran. The Shiites, however, have vowed to continue their protests until justice is served for Soleimani’s death.
The US has also been closely monitoring the situation in Nigeria, especially after the protests in Abuja. The US embassy in Nigeria has issued a security alert, warning its citizens to avoid areas where protests are taking place. This has only added to the tensions between the two countries, as the Shiites see the US as the main culprit in the killing of Soleimani.
The protests in Nigeria have once again highlighted the strong ties between the Shiites and Iran. They have also brought to the forefront the plight of the Shiites in Nigeria and their struggle for recognition and rights. The killing of Soleimani has united the Shiites in their support for Iran and has given them a renewed sense of purpose in their fight against oppression.
In conclusion, the protests by the Shiites in Nigeria after the killing of Soleimani show the strong bond between the two countries and the unwavering support of the Shiites for Iran. The Nigerian government must take note of this and address the grievances of the Shiites, rather than suppressing their voices. The US must also realize the impact of its actions on innocent civilians and work towards de-escalating the tensions in the region. The Shiites in Nigeria have shown that they will not back down in their
