African New Yorkers denounce the evils of police brutality and government corruption in Guinea and Nigeria

Photos credits: Isseu Diouf Campbell

While many New Yorkers were celebrating Halloween on October 31, 2020, members of the African Diaspora in New York City were denouncing the evils of police brutality and government corruption in Guinea and Nigeria among other African countries.

African New Yorkers chanted and marched in solidarity with protesters who were killed by the police in Nigeria and Guinea. In Guinea, the youth are calling for the resignation of President Alpha Condé who, according to the Guinean Constitution, could not run for a third term. In Nigeria, they are demanding the dismantling of SARS, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, known in the country for terrorizing the same civilians they are supposed to protect.

The protest, organized by the Guinean Youth Alliance and the African Empowerment Project NYC, started at Columbus circle before heading to the African Union office on 47th Street and Second Avenue where they were joined by Assemblyman Charles Barron, Assemblyman José Rivera and NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

Among the speakers, was also the one the Guinean youth have been calling their president, Guinean opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo who addressed the audience via Facebook. Diallo, who claimed receiving 53% of the vote even though the Guinean electoral commission announced incumbent president Alpha Condé the winner, was received with a lot of excitement.

Another protest is planned on Monday, November 2, 2020 in Boston.

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