Chronicles and Power by IzuhMan

A short story about six neighbours… and the dangerous pattern of ignoring problems until they reach our own doorstep.A reflection on insecurity and collective responsibility in Nigeria.And yes — today is my birthday.

On April 13, 1868, British troops entered Magdala, a mountain fortress in Ethiopia and the stronghold of Emperor Tewodros II. The expedition, led by Sir Robert Napier, was a military campaign. The British won and then looted the city.They moved through Magdala taking items systematically. Churches and monasteries were stripped of large numbers of handwritten manuscripts written in Ge’ez, covering religion, law, medicine, governance, history, and astronomy. Crowns, ceremonial crosses, royal objects, and sacred tabots were also taken.After the looting, the city was burned.Following the invasion, stolen items were divided among officers, auctioned to soldiers, or shipped to Britain. Over time, many of the manuscripts and objects ended up in British institutions such as the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Bodleian Library at Oxford, while others entered private collections.Ethiopia was never colonized, so this was not administration but invasion and theft. The removal of books and sacred objects helped erase evidence of Ethiopia’s long tradition of written knowledge and scholarship, making it easier to later claim that Africa lacked recorded history and intellectual systems.

EPISODE 3: THE ASHANTI GOLDEN STOOL. In January 1896, the British entered Kumasi pretending to bring peace but came for the Ashanti Empire’s true treasure—its gold, its pride, and above all, the sacred Golden Stool, the spiritual heart of the Ashanti people. Governor Hodgson’s demand to sit on the stool sparked outrage and ignited resistance. From this rose Yaa Asantewaa, the queen mother who rallied the Ashanti to fight when the men hesitated. The Yaa Asantewaa War of 1900 became a fierce battle as the Ashanti defended their heritage against British forces armed with Maxim guns.Though the British eventually captured Kumasi and looted vast royal treasures now displayed in European museums, they never found the Golden Stool. It remained—and still remains—protected.The episode ends by questioning Africans today: while the Ashanti protected their sacred symbol, modern leaders surrender culture, pride, and sovereignty for foreign approval. The message warns that colonizers once stole gold and artifacts—but today, they steal meaning, identity, and dignity, because we no longer defend them like the Ashanti once did.

This episode captures the Ekumeku movement in Anioma and the Arochukwu movement in Today’s Abia. This episode explains the resilience and strength of these people. It exposes the thievery of the colonial Brits.

In 1897, British soldiers invaded the mighty Kingdom of Benin—burning its walls, looting its treasures, and calling it a “punitive expedition.” The legendary Benin Bronzes were stolen, its people scattered, and a civilization that once stood as Africa’s pride was brought to its knees. This episode tells the untold story of how empire met greed, and how art became the evidence of a crime the world still refuses to correct.

“Stolen Legacy” is a powerful spoken-word series that uncovers the theft of Africa’s heritage. From the looted Benin Bronzes to sacred shrines locked in European museums, it exposes how colonization never truly ended—it just changed form. Through raw storytelling and poetic truth, this series follows the trail of stolen gods, broken kingdoms, and cultural memories held hostage in foreign lands. This isn’t just history—it’s resurrection.

In 1996, Pfizer carried out a controversial meningitis drug trial in Kano, Nigeria. Eleven children died, dozens were left with disabilities, and the case sparked global outrage over ethics, exploitation, and corporate power. This episode unpacks what happened, why it matters, and how it still echoes today.

Africa has gained flags and independence on paper, but not true freedom. Foreign powers still influence our economies, education, and resources. Until Africa controls its own future—food, knowledge, voice, and wealth—the flags remain symbols, not signs of real liberation.

Many African leaders act as willing tools of the West—protecting foreign interests over their people. They wear African titles but serve outside powers, trading sovereignty for personal gain.

The crisis in Congo is more than local conflict—it’s a proxy war, where foreign powers fuel violence to control Congo’s vast minerals. Behind the chaos are hidden hands fighting for profit, not peace.

Teach Africans the truth about their history—beyond colonial lies—so they know who they are, where they come from, and what they must do to rise. Let the truth shape minds, awaken pride, and guide action.

Foreign players often influence Nigeria’s policies through loans, aid, trade deals, and diplomatic pressure, shaping decisions in ways that may not always serve the country’s true interests.

The Commonwealth is not for Africa—it’s a reminder of colonial ties, not true partnership. While it claims unity, Africa remains unequal, voiceless, and bound by systems built to serve others. True progress means breaking free, not holding on to old chains dressed as friendship.

This episode questions whether Africa is truly free or just wearing new chains. Despite political independence, Africa remains controlled through foreign currencies, debt, resource exploitation, GMO food systems, military presence, and mental colonization. Real freedom, Izuhman argues, means full control over Africa’s land, mind, money, and destiny — not just waving flags.

They say we’re not agricultural or health scientists, so we should stay silent on GMO. But when the food changes, the people change—and that concerns us all. You don’t need a lab coat to question what’s on your plate.

Africans must reject unnatural GMO foods that threaten our health and food freedom. Why did we stop asking who controls our seeds, our soil, and our future?

Our elites and influencers are selling us GMO like it’s progress—while hiding the risks. Behind their smiles are deals, not truth. It’s not just food—it’s control.

GMO may promise food security, but its hidden effects could shape a future of seed dependency, health risks, and lost farming traditions. The question is—who controls our plate tomorrow?

GMO is dangerous because it may harm health, reduce seed freedom, and trap farmers in debt. It puts control of food in the hands of powerful corporations, not the people.

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism—a plant, animal, or microbe whose DNA has been changed in a lab to create traits like faster growth or pest resistance. While some see it as innovation, others warn of health, environmental, and food sovereignty risks.

A silent war is being planted—seed by seed. Before GMO took over our farms, it crept into our policies, our labs, and our hunger. This is the prelude to a deeper story of control, disguised as innovation.

Infusing Ubuntu into the African System of Education means bringing the spirit of togetherness, compassion, and shared humanity into our schools. It calls for an education system that not only teaches knowledge but also builds character, community values, and respect for others—reminding every child that “I am because we are.”

In 2025, Sub-Saharan Africa is a geopolitical hotspot. Russia expands influence through military support in Mali, Burkina Faso, and CAR, trading arms and security for resources, while fueling anti-Western sentiment. China drives economic dominance via Belt and Road infrastructure and trade deals, controlling key minerals, though debt risks linger. African nations, frustrated with Western policies, leverage Russian security and Chinese investment to boost trade, tech, and energy while safeguarding autonomy. With a young population and significant UN influence, Africa navigates global rivalries, poised to emerge as a major player.

France is losing influence in the Sahel (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad) due to anti-French sentiment over its colonial past and failed counterterrorism efforts like Operation Barkhane. Military coups have led to juntas expelling French troops and aligning with Russia and China. Regional demands for sovereignty, backed by protests, have pushed France out of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad, while it shifts focus to economic ties with Anglophone African nations.

Britain's grand imperial legacy is unraveling, its once-ironclad sway over Commonwealth nations dissolving into whispers of the past, as allegiances falter and ties fray—yet Nigeria, a radiant bastion of loyalty, boldly defies the exodus, standing resolute as the empire's last unwavering stronghold in a world turning its back.

The power struggle between Salva Kiir and Riek Machar has driven South Sudan’s crisis since its 2011 independence. Kiir, a Dinka, and Machar, a Nuer, have fueled ethnic and political tensions. Their rivalry escalated into civil war in 2013 when Kiir sacked Machar as vice-president, sparking violence that killed 400,000 and displaced millions. A 2018 peace deal formed a unity government in 2020, but unimplemented provisions like army unification kept tensions high. In March 2025, Kiir ordered Machar’s arrest for alleged rebellion, nullifying the peace deal and risking renewed conflict. Ethnic divisions, economic collapse from a 2024 oil pipeline burst, and delayed elections worsen the crisis. Machar’s detention has displaced over 50,000, compounding South Sudan’s humanitarian disaster with famine and regional instability looming. The UN and regional powers urge dialogue, but ongoing mistrust threatens further violence.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis driven by escalating violence, particularly in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu. Since December 2024, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive, capturing key cities like Goma and Bukavu, leading to thousands of deaths and displacing over 7.3 million people internally, with 1 million seeking asylum abroad. The conflict, fueled by ethnic tensions, political instability, and competition over mineral resources like cobalt and coltan, has caused widespread human rights abuses, including sexual violence and indiscriminate shelling. Over 25 million people face food insecurity, and disease outbreaks like cholera and Mpox are worsening due to strained healthcare systems and poor camp conditions. Humanitarian access is limited, and regional mediation efforts have faltered, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

North Africa feels distinct from Sub-Saharan Africa due to the Sahara Desert’s geographic divide, shaping different climates and economies. Historically, North Africa integrated with Mediterranean and Islamic worlds, adopting Arab culture and language, while Sub-Saharan Africa’s diverse ethnic groups and kingdoms evolved separately. Culturally, North Africa’s Arab-Islamic identity contrasts with Sub-Saharan Africa’s varied traditions and religions. Politically, North Africa aligns with the Arab world, while Sub-Saharan Africa focuses on pan-African ties. Colonial legacies further deepened these divides.

1. Universally Hated: Gaddafi had significant support in Libya despite opposition. 2. Poor Libya: Libya was wealthy with high GDP and social programs under Gaddafi. 3. Terrorist Mastermind: His role in attacks like Lockerbie was exaggerated; he funded more than planned. 4. Hoarded Wealth: Gaddafi invested in Libya, with debated personal wealth. 5. Internal Revolt: 2011 fall was driven by NATO, not just a local uprising.

On November 18, 1949, at the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu, Nigeria, 21 striking coal miners and a bystander were killed, and 51 others injured by British colonial police led by Superintendent F.S. Philip. The miners, protesting poor working conditions, unpaid wages, and racial abuse under British management, occupied the mine to prevent a lockout. Tensions escalated when police attempted to remove explosives, leading to the shooting of unarmed workers. The massacre, known as the Iva Valley Shooting, sparked nationwide outrage, fueled the Zikist independence movement, and strengthened Nigeria’s push for independence.

On June 12, 1993, Nigeria held a presidential election, the first since the 1983 military coup. Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in a vote deemed free and fair by observers. Despite Abiola’s apparent victory, military ruler Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results, citing irregularities. This sparked protests, political unrest, and a return to military rule under Sani Abacha. The annulment remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, with June 12 later declared Democracy Day.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_Nigerian_presidential_election)[](https://von.gov.ng/the-significance-of-june-12-1993-presidential-election-in-nigerias-political-history/)

Sani Abacha was a Nigerian military officer and dictator who ruled as Head of State from 1993 until his death in 1998. Known for his authoritarian regime, he suppressed opposition, controlled the media, and was accused of widespread human rights abuses and corruption, amassing significant wealth during his tenure. His sudden death led to Nigeria's transition to democracy.

The Biafran War, also known as the Nigerian Civil War, lasted from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970. It began when the southeastern region of Nigeria, predominantly inhabited by the Igbo people, declared independence as the Republic of Biafra due to ethnic tensions, economic disputes, and political instability following Nigeria's independence from Britain in 1960. The Nigerian federal government, seeking to maintain national unity, launched a military campaign to suppress the secession. The war resulted in widespread famine, particularly in Biafra, and an estimated 3-5 million deaths, mostly from starvation and disease. It ended with Biafra's surrender and reintegration into Nigeria.

The Aburi Accord was an agreement reached in January 1967 in Aburi, Ghana, between Nigeria's Federal Military Government and Eastern Region leaders, aiming to prevent civil war by granting regions more autonomy and establishing a collective military council, but it failed due to differing interpretations and lack of implementation.

The July 1966 counter-coup in Nigeria, also known as the "July Rematch," was a military uprising led by Lt. Colonel Murtala Muhammed and northern officers. Starting as a mutiny on July 28, it was a reaction to the January 1966 coup, resulting in the assassination of General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi and Lt. Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi in Ibadan. Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon emerged as Head of State, marking a shift in power amid ethnic tensions.

The Igbo pogroms in Nigeria refer to a series of violent attacks and massacres targeting the Igbo people, particularly in the northern regions of the country.

The failed January 1966 coup in Nigeria was led by a group of young military officers who sought to overthrow the government and eliminate political corruption. The coup resulted in the assassination of the Prime Minister and several other senior officials, but ultimately failed to achieve its objectives, leading to a series of counter-coups and eventually the Nigerian Civil War.

In this final part of the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, the European powers agreed on a set of rules for colonizing Africa, leading to the division of the continent among themselves. This process disregarded the interests and sovereignty of African nations, resulting in long-lasting negative effects on the region.

The Berlin Conference, convened from 1884 to 1885, was a pivotal event in modern history that had far-reaching consequences for Africa. European powers, including Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Portugal, gathered to regulate the colonization of Africa. At the core of the conference was the "Scramble for Africa," a period of intense colonization and exploitation.During this time, European powers partitioned the continent among themselves, drawing arbitrary borders and claiming territories without regard for existing African kingdoms, cultures, and ways of life. This division led to the creation of artificial borders that often cut across ethnic and cultural lines, causing tensions and conflicts that persist to this day.

European powers, particularly Belgium, France, Britain, and Portugal, were racing to colonize Africa, sparking conflicts. German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck called the Berlin Conference (1884) to establish a unified policy for African expansion and avoid violence.

Dike, a wise and fearless African leader, resisted European colonization in the 18th century. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Dike and his warriors fought valiantly to defend their land and way of life. Though defeated, Dike's legacy lived on, inspiring future generations to remember their heritage and defend their identity, urging them to always protect "Mama Africa."

Continuation of part 1

Learn about what is less or never talked about regarding the emergence of colonialism in Africa. How it has shaped and contributed to the continental unrest we witness today.