The Israeli strikes in Lebanon have caused widespread anxiety and sorrow among the Lebanese diaspora in West Africa, with community members in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria expressing their experiences of fear and anger while attempting to support loved ones amid the violence. Through solidarity and aid efforts, they showcase a united front in the face of adversity.
Israeli military actions in Lebanon have profoundly impacted the Lebanese diaspora in West Africa, comprising a significant community spread across Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. Three individuals from this community shared their experiences with AFP, revealing how they are grappling with feelings of fear, anger, and sorrow as they monitor the situation unfolding in their homeland. In Senegal, Zoheir Zeidan, a 61-year-old telecommunications executive, lamented the predictability of Israel’s strikes, stating, “We knew that Israel’s next step would be Lebanon” due to Hezbollah’s involvement in the conflict. He described the painful moment he received news of close friends and family affected by the bombings, emphasizing the despair that permeates their community as they attempt to provide aid from afar. In Abidjan, Zara Mirza-Branger, a sales assistant whose parents returned to Lebanon recently, echoed this sentiment of helplessness. She shared, “Every time we hear that they’ve bombed, we call my parents. We try to send them money, to help as much as we can,” reflecting the frantic efforts to assist family members amid ongoing violence. She indicated that community discussions revolve primarily around the developments in Lebanon, with pervasive sadness impacting their daily lives. In Lagos, George Chaanine, a business owner, expressed concerns over the broader scope of the conflict, noting, “this time around… the war is almost in different parts of Lebanon and not just in certain areas.” He mentioned the formation of WhatsApp groups to raise funds and support for those back in Lebanon, highlighting the logistical challenges compounded by the conflict, such as difficulty in importing goods. This shared solidarity amongst the Lebanese communities in these countries underscores the widespread emotional toll and collective effort to support those affected back in Lebanon, despite the geographical distance.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has created a significant stir among Lebanese communities in West Africa. This diaspora, which numbers in the hundreds of thousands across countries such as Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, is deeply affected by the hostilities in Lebanon, often drawing parallels between their own experiences and the broader implications of the conflict. Many individuals in the diaspora engage in community support activities aimed at providing assistance to families directly impacted by the violence in Lebanon, despite facing their own challenges of distance and logistical constraints in delivering aid.
The Lebanese diaspora in West Africa is profoundly affected by the unfolding crisis in Lebanon, revealing deep-seated emotions of fear, sorrow, and solidarity among its members. Individuals actively seek to support their loved ones back home, grappling with challenges surrounding aid logistics and emotional distress, while striving to maintain their connections to their homeland during these tumultuous times.
Original Source: www.channelstv.com
