Khabane “Khaby” Lame: A TikTok Star Amidst Unrest in Senegal
Khabane “Khaby” Lame is a Senegalese-born social media personality, known for his TikTok videos in which he silently mocks overly complicated “life hack” content. As of April 2023, Lame holds the title of the most-followed user on TikTok. His net worth is estimated at $13 million, with sources suggesting it could reach as much as $25 million this year.
Lame’s rise to fame is attributed to his unique comedic talent that appeals to people of all nationalities. With simple analyses and non-verbal replies, he humorously portrays video creators as less-than-smart.
However, there is a darker side to this extremely successful talent. His home country, Senegal, is currently facing turbulent times, and unfortunately, Lame seems to have turned a blind eye to the situation.
THE SITUATION
Throughout Africa’s history, French imperialist governments have persistently exploited and oppressed the continent’s resources and people. This exploitation has included assassinations of citizens and progressive presidents, resulting in the loss of good governance for Africa. France has been involved in the killings of 22 African presidents, robbing the continent of 176 years of potential good leadership, considering each president’s potential 8-year term.
This figure does not account for non-lethal removals of leaders, such as in the case of Laurent Gbagbo. When considering the additional impact of the UK and USA’s interference in African politics, the cumulative effect on Africa’s growth becomes even more alarming. Recent events in Niger have shed light on this Western involvement.
FRANCE IN KHABANE’S HOMELAND
However, another facet of the robbery of good African governance has occurred – the detention and assassination of political candidates before they even take office. Unfortunately, this is what is currently happening in Khabane Lame’s home country.
Senegal’s French-instated dictator, Macky Sall, has imposed a strict strongman rule on the country, facing significant disapproval from the Senegalese people. As the end of Sall’s presidential term approached, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko gained considerable traction in the polls.
SENEGALESE DICTATOR IMPRISONS OPPOSITION
Ousmane Sonko, a Senegalese politician and former chief tax inspector, advocates for tax system reform in the country. The people of Senegal showed full support for this aspiring young presidential candidate, eliciting the expected reaction from the dictator. Ousmane Sonko was soon arrested on Friday, July 28, without precise reasons provided.
Since Sonko’s arrest, Senegal has been grappling with months of unrest, fueled by political and economic insecurity. Young protesters have been met with force by an increasingly militarized police force.
The recent military junta revolution in Niger overshadowed some of the noise from Senegal, but the fight for justice persisted. Dictator Macky Sall not only kept Ousmane Sonko in prison but also disbanded the major opposition party after the party’s popular president and opposition leader revealed that a judge had ordered his arrest.
The actions by Sall reignited and intensified the riots, as seen in videos showing the current activities in Senegal.
— ThePanAfricanWorld.com (@PanAfricanWrld) August 4, 2023
Senegal is experiencing unrest with protests and clashes erupting following the arrest of an opposition leader.
The situation has escalated into riots, highlighting the growing tensions in the country.
Another African nation. #Senegal
— Ahmad Hassan (@AhmadHassanArbi) August 1, 2023
The riots have been severely rejected by the mainstream media as the dictator Macky Sall promises to send troops to Niger to restore democracy whilst failing to impliment democracy in his own troubled nation.
BACK TO YOU KHABY
As Khaby Lame’s popularity continues to soar on TikTok, it is important not to forget the ongoing struggles faced by his fellow citizens in Senegal. While he brings joy and laughter to millions, the people of Senegal are fighting for their rights and a more just society. As we applaud Lame’s achievements, let us also stand in solidarity with the people of Senegal in their pursuit of democracy and a better future. So we ask one question? Would we finally here Khaby’s voice when it comes to the struggle of democracy in Senegal?
Sources:
– thepanafricanworld.com – Senegal’s Unrest
– Twitter – Senegal Riots Video 1
– Twitter – Senegal Riots Video 2
