In what can be seen as a bold address, Hajji Umar Bongo, the director of Ahlul Bait Islamic Foundation Uganda (ABIF) has condemned the alleged Israeli killing of Hassan Nasrallah, the Lebanese militia and political leader.
Israel killed Nasrallah, who also served as the secretary-General of Hezebollah,a Shia Islamist political party affiliated to Iran in a deadly airstrike in the centre of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon a couple of days ago.
“…we send our sincere condolences to Ayatollah Seyid Khamenei, the people of Palestine and Lebanon and all the free people of the world…”,he condoled.
Bongo praised the Supreme Leader of Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Seyed Hosseini Khamenei (popularly known as Ali Khamenei)as the sole leader brave enough to challenge Israel and its allies.
He describes Khamenei as a freedom and resistance fighter who deserves great support and appreciation from all peace-loving leaders and countries and instead accuses the US, UK, France, and Germany of destabilizing the Middle East to serve their imperial interests.
The former two-term former LC5 chairman for Mayuge lamented the loss of hundreds of innocent Palestinian and Lebanese civilians, including children, killed in Israeli airstrikes.
He accused Israel of genocide, citing the bombing of churches, mosques, schools, and refugee camps and defended Hezbollah, Hamas, PLO, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah as groups fighting to defend and liberate their homeland from oppression.
“…Israeli military is indiscriminately killing unarmed and vulnerable people, this is not a religious war between Muslims and Christians or Shias against Sunnis as some people want the world to believe, it’s a struggle for freedom and self-determination…” he stated.
Bongo, a strong supporter of the North London-based Arsenal, criticized Western powers, including the US, UK, France, and Germany, for their perceived role in destabilizing the Middle East.
He also questioned the United Nations’ handling of the crisis, pointing out the disparity in treatment of Israel compared to African nations.
The conflict has claimed numerous lives, including prominent leaders. Bongo honored the memory of Hassan Nasrallah and other fallen leaders, vowing to continue speaking out against injustice.
According to the Palestinian-controlled Ministry of Health, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds injured in the one year conflict that was sparked off on 7th October, 2023 when Hamas militants attacked and killed more than 1,300 Israelis.
Although the international community has called for restraint, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who is serving his sixth term has remained defiant.
The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated recently, with a series of tit-for-tat attacks. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about potential escalation into a full-scale war.
Hajji Umar Bongo has accused Israel of genocide and destabilizing the Middle East arguing that the UN would have acted promptly on any slight incident involving any weak African country like Libya whose leader was brutally killed.
“…Israeli military is indiscriminately killing unarmed and vulnerable people,” Bongo stated. “This is not a religious war; it’s a struggle for freedom and self-determination…”, he lamented.
The conflict has claimed numerous lives, including prominent leaders. Bongo honored the memory of Hassan Nasrallah and other fallen leaders, vowing to continue speaking out against injustice.
What You Need To Know;
Ahlul Bait Islamic Foundation Uganda is a non-profit NGO affiliated with the global Ahlul Bait Islamic Foundation which aims to promote Islamic values, education and community development in Uganda.
The objectives of ABIF are to spread Islamic knowledge and awareness, establish Islamic educational institutions, and provide social services like health and poverty alleviation.
It also fosters community development and unity as well as promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Its activities include establishment of Islamic schools and madrasses, quranic recitation competitions, Ramadan programmes (iftars and zakat distribution), health clinics and medical outreaches, youth empowerment and mentorship programmes and interfaith conferences and dialogues.
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