Collective Power: Why Ephraim Ogwu believes Africa CDWD must work together
In the first part, we talked about Ephraim Ogwu's earliest experiences, how social segregation continues even today, and the lessons he learnt during his journey as a CDWD activist. In the second of the three-part series, he talks about learning from other African communities, the intersectionality in advocacy and the lack of international attention
In his years of advocacy, Ephraim Ogwu has learned critical lessons from other African communities that face similar forms of caste-like discrimination. These lessons have not only shaped his approach but have also broadened his understanding of how complex and interconnected various forms of marginalization can be. “One of the most important lessons,” Ogwu begins, “is recognizing that discrimination doesn't operate in isolation. It works at multiple levels.”
Ogwu speaks about the intersectionality in advocacy—how women, for example, in marginalized communities often face compounded discrimination. They deal with not only descent-based exclusion but also gender and sometimes ethnic or religious discrimination. This has taught Ogwu that within his own Osu community, the specific needs of women and other vulnerable groups must be addressed. “The struggle has to be inclusive,” he insists. “If we don't tackle gender, age, or even disability issues within the broader context of discrimination, we're leaving people behind.”
Legal advocacy and the power of international pressure have been another essential lesson. Ogwu recalls learning from the Haratine in Mauritania, a community fighting for constitutional recognition and citizenship rights. “Their struggle showed me the importance of appealing to international human rights frameworks,” he explains. The Haratine's fight for legal recognition taught him that, especially when national and local governments are indifferent, international bodies like the United Nations and the African Union play a crucial role. “Holding governments accountable through these mechanisms is sometimes the only way to push for change,” he says. By engaging with international human rights platforms, these communities can apply pressure from the outside when progress at home seems impossible.
Economic empowerment is another avenue that has proven invaluable in the fight for dignity and inclusion. Communities like the Haratine have developed apprenticeship systems and cooperatives to overcome economic marginalization. These systems allow individuals to gain financial independence, and, as Ogwu emphasizes, economic empowerment fosters a sense of dignity. “When you are economically self-reliant, you begin to challenge the social hierarchies that keep you in place,” he says. In many CDWD communities across Africa, initiatives like vocational training, access to financial resources, and land ownership are seen as essential tools for breaking the cycle of poverty that is so often passed down through generations.
Collective action has perhaps been the most powerful lesson for Ogwu. The Haratine in Mauritania have organized national protests, pulling in civil society organizations and NGOs to support their cause. “Seeing how they mobilized both domestically and internationally was eye-opening,” Ogwu reflects. This level of collective advocacy, especially through solidarity movements that cross borders, has taught him that networks with other marginalized communities are essential. “When you realize that your struggle isn't just isolated to your community, that it's part of a much larger movement for justice, it amplifies your voice,” he adds. “There is strength in numbers, and that's something we need to leverage more in Africa.”
While the lessons Ogwu has learned from other communities have been invaluable, he acknowledges that CDWD in Africa face distinct challenges compared to their counterparts on other continents. One of the most significant hurdles is the colonial legacy that continues to shape social hierarchies. “Colonialism didn't create caste-like systems in Africa, but it reinforced and sometimes institutionalized them,” Ogwu explains. He points out that in countries like Nigeria, Mauritania, and Mali, colonial powers elevated certain ethnic groups while suppressing others, embedding caste-based divisions even more deeply into the social fabric. “Post-independence, these divisions didn't just disappear. We're still living with their legacy.”
This colonial legacy is compounded by the fact that many CDWD in Africa lack legal recognition and protection. Ogwu notes that in countries like Mauritania and the Gambia, communities like the Haratine and Komos face severe discrimination, yet their struggles are not acknowledged in the national constitutions. “There's a legal invisibility that's devastating,” he says. “Without legal recognition, there's no formal recourse. You can't fight for your rights if the law doesn't even recognize that you need protection.” In contrast, other regions like South Asia have at least formal legal frameworks in place to protect marginalized communities like Dalits, even if enforcement is lacking. Similarly, the Roma in Europe enjoy some legal protections, offering them a pathway to challenge discrimination in courts.
Economic marginalization in Africa also presents a unique set of challenges for CDWD. Many of these communities, including the Osu and Haratine, rely on agrarian livelihoods, yet they are often denied access to land or credit. “For communities already living in extreme poverty, being shut out of economic opportunities is devastating,” Ogwu emphasizes. The situation in Africa is made worse by the broader economic underdevelopment of the continent. “We're not just fighting caste-based exclusion; we're fighting against a lack of infrastructure, education, and basic services,” he says. In other parts of the world, particularly South Asia, government schemes sometimes offer Dalit communities economic opportunities that help alleviate poverty, something that is sorely lacking in many African countries.
Perhaps most frustrating, according to Ogwu, is the limited international attention that African CDWD receive compared to their counterparts in South Asia or Europe. “The world knows about Dalits in India, they know about the Roma in Europe, but how many people know about the Osu or the Haratine?” he asks. This lack of visibility makes it difficult to garner support from international human rights organizations and donor agencies, leaving African CDWD even more isolated in their struggles. “If our issues aren't on the global stage, how can we expect to change anything?” Ogwu laments.
Despite these challenges, Ogwu remains hopeful. The lessons he has learned from other communities have armed him with a more comprehensive approach to advocacy—one that is inclusive, strategic, and rooted in solidarity. “We may be facing deeply entrenched systems of discrimination, but we're not fighting alone,” he says. “And that gives me hope.”
Also Read: A seismic moment: ACHPR adopts resolution on Africa CDWD