Three years ago, I wrote on my timeline, "In the next 5 years, the indigenous people of Nimule will be aliens in their homeland." Many locals dismissed my warning, but I didn't mind because the land issues in Nimule are glaringly apparent, with many crying out for salvation.
Land Ownership in Africa
Traditionally, Africans owned their land communally, with tribal lines defining boundaries. Land was essential for subsistence farming, housing, and cultural heritage. It was a sacred space where ancestral spirits resided, and communities consulted them. A community's power was directly tied to the vastness of its land.
The Value of Land to an African
An African without land is like a tree without roots. Land is one of the five pillars of human life in Africa, along with the Creator, Nature, Ancestors, and Wife. For an African man, land is paramount because it provides for his basic needs and connects him to his heritage. Taking away an African's land is akin to taking their life.
Reclamation of Land Rights
In the wake of protecting lives, countries like South Africa, Burkina Faso, Namibia, and Eritrea are fighting for land rights, recognising the importance of land to their people. The southern nations of Sudan fought against the northern regime over land issues, seeking rightful ownership and control. Unfortunately, this struggle has led to exploitation and damage to human life. If other African nations are fighting to reclaim their right to land, why do the Madi people continue to sell their lives away?
The Madi of Nimule Land Issue
The Madi people of
Nimule are selling their land to outsiders, often without considering the
future of their children. This raises questions about their connection to the
land and their preparedness for the consequences. The map below illustrates the
current state of land ownership in Nimule, with much of it in the hands of
outsiders.
This article aims
to reawaken the Madi people's appreciation for their land and its importance to
their identity. Many nations have suffered from losing control over their land.
It's time for the Madi to take control of their land and protect it for future generations.
With the planned upgrade of Nimule to a municipal status, the Madi must come
together to safeguard their remaining land.
A Bye Message
The Madi people of
Nimule must recognise the gravity of their situation and take immediate action
to protect their land. It's not just a matter of preserving their heritage;
it's about ensuring the future of their children and the well-being of their
community. By coming together and asserting their rights, the Madi can reclaim
their land and secure their place in the world. The time for warnings is over;
the time for action is now.
Ayella John Bosco, Blogger/Writer.
The opinion expressed in this article is solely the work of the writer, and it is used for reawakening purposes only. Any misinterpretation based on anything outside the context will never be deferred. Reach me at abunerry700.v@gmail.com.
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