BY ADAMA DIENG
Hatred rarely announces itself as a threat to society. It enters quietly, through an offensive joke, a disparaging remark, a stereotype repeated without challenge or political rhetoric portraying certain communities as less deserving of dignity. Gradually, what once shocked us becomes familiar. The unacceptable becomes ordinary.
Across the world, intolerance is gaining ground. In several European countries, far-right movements increasingly exploit fears surrounding immigration, identity and religion. In France, certain media narratives contribute to the stigmatisation of Africans and Muslims. Elsewhere, from Latin America to parts of Asia, exclusionary populism and religious nationalism deepen divisions. In India, the targeting of religious minorities by extremist groups raises particular concerns.
These developments differ in their historical and political contexts. Yet they remind us of a universal danger: The temptation to turn diversity into a threat and prejudice into political currency. Africa is not immune. Even Senegal, celebrated for its Teranga, hospitality and religious tolerance, has witnessed troubling expressions of xenophobia. The government’s condemnation of such rhetoric is welcome, but sustained vigilance remains essential.
Freedom of expression is fundamental to democracy. It must never become a licence to humiliate, dehumanise or exclude. Political leaders, religious authorities and the media bear particular responsibility for the words they choose and the attitudes they encourage. Our responsibility also begins within our own circles. Condemning hatred among adversaries is easy. The true test of integrity is challenging it among friends, political allies, religious communities or families. Silence can become complicity.
Human dignity knows no nationality, ethnicity or religion. We cannot demand respect for our compatriots abroad while denying it to foreigners among us. Hatred becomes dangerous not only when it is preached, but when decent people cease to be disturbed by it.
Adama Dieng is African Union (AU) Special Envoy for the Prevention of Genocide and Other Mass Atrocities.
