In a powerful demonstration, hundreds of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, have taken to the streets of Abuja on Wednesday to protest the assassination of Iranian military officer Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi military leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis by the United States.
This protest, marking the anniversary of the January 3, 2020, killings ordered by former US President Donald Trump, witnessed both men and women marching through major streets in the nation’s capital, causing significant traffic disruptions.
In a potent display of anger, the Shi’ites burned the flags of the United States and Israel, symbolizing their deep-seated disdain for the countries they hold responsible for the deaths of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, whom they reverently described as ‘global martyrs’.
Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara, speaking for the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, declared, “We are out on the street today to commemorate the martyrdom of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and we will continue to honor them annually.”
He emphasized the annual demonstrations serve as a poignant reminder of the duo’s substantial contributions to peace and security in the region.
During the protest, impassioned participants recounted Soleimani’s pivotal role in the Middle East, especially in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Soleimani earned acclaim for mobilizing the Iraqi and Syrian people, creating national armies, and thwarting the advance of ISIS forces on numerous fronts, including the liberation of Tikrit and areas of Damascus.
The assassinations of Soleimani and al-Muhandis garnered widespread criticism from various nations and figures.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif labeled the act “international terrorism” and sternly cautioned against its potential repercussions.
This sentiment resonated globally, with countries like China, Russia, Syria, Iraq, and Turkey condemning the US action.
US Senator Mark Kirk had previously acknowledged Soleimani’s pervasive influence, and European publications like Der Spiegel recognized his strategic prowess against US operations in the region.
The New York Times even referred to his assassination as a strategic defeat for the United States.
In Abuja, the Shi’ite protesters echoed these sentiments, with the general consensus being that Soleimani’s death not only highlighted his paramount importance but also laid bare America’s perceived role in regional instability.
The demonstration stands as a solemn testament to the ongoing tensions and the intricate nature of international relations.
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