October 22, 2020
The Writivism Literary Initiative, established as a programme of the Center for African Cultural Excellence (CACE) in 2012, expresses solidarity with the writers, thinkers, editors, and other creative individuals alongside their comrades, protesting the oppression and exploitation of ordinary people by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police. Our sympathies go to all those affected by the acts of SARS and the general Nigerian security apparatus before and during the current protests.
From its inception, the Writivism Literary Initiative has worked with and supported hundreds of writers, editors, publishers, and other intellectual, cultural and creative workers who are associated with Nigeria. Our two literary prizes receive the most number of entries from Nigeria-associated emerging writers. Of the eleven winners of the two prizes we run, three are Nigerian, the highest number of winners from a single country. Many Nigerian members of our writing community are involved in direct and indirect ways in the current #EndSARS protests.
We applaud the ingenuity, commitment, and courage of the peaceful, non-violent, well-organised protestors who continue to speak out in defence of justice, fairness, dignity, equality, and freedom. We condemn the violent response of the Nigerian security apparatus.
Signed:
Esther Mirembe,
Managing Editor
Sumayya Lee,
Programme Liaison
Bwesigye Bwa Mwesigire,
Director and Founder
Writivism 