When You See Your Neighbor’s Beard on Fire, Soak Your Own: A Warning for Angola

“When you see your neighbor’s beard on fire, soak your own.” This old Portuguese proverb offers a lesson in caution and vigilance, especially relevant when we look at recent events in Mozambique, where a wave of protests has captured the world’s attention. Brazilians and Mozambicans, united in symbolic acts in São Paulo, are calling for justice and freedom for the Mozambican people, highlighting the importance of democracy and human rights in a context marked by instability and violations.

Solidarity Transcends Borders

What we witness today on the streets of Brazil is an expression of solidarity that crosses oceans, showing that the injustices suffered by one nation can resonate beyond its borders. Mozambicans and Brazilians have risen together in a peaceful movement, holding posters and messages that expose the severe violations occurring in Mozambique. The struggle for electoral justice and the respect for fundamental rights has become a point of connection between nations, underscoring that values like freedom and dignity are universal.

In this context, it’s inevitable for other African nations, like Angola, to reflect on their path forward. The histories of Angola and Mozambique share striking parallels: both are Portuguese-speaking African countries with complex colonial legacies and intense struggles for independence. However, Mozambique today faces a crisis that threatens the democratic principles and human rights of its people, and Angolans should keep a watchful eye on this situation.

Angola: A Path Toward Autonomy and Justice

Angola has a unique opportunity to learn from the challenges faced by its Mozambican brothers and sisters. As a country rich in natural resources, Angola possesses immense potential to build a just and prosperous society for all its citizens. However, for this future to materialize, Angola must avoid the pitfalls of exploitation and instability that have affected so many other nations.

Just as the proverb suggests, seeing the “neighbor’s beard on fire” is a call for Angola to strengthen its democratic foundations and invest in policies that prioritize collective well-being. This includes ensuring that natural resources are used to benefit the entire nation, not just a privileged elite. It’s essential to adopt a firm stance against neocolonialism and external control, which often pose threats to the sovereignty of developing countries.

The Voice of the People and the Power of Change

For Angola, this is a moment of deep reflection. With the 50th anniversary of independence approaching, it is crucial for the Angolan people to take concrete steps to preserve their freedom and secure a future of justice and equality. The demonstrations by Mozambicans and Brazilians serve as a reminder of the power of popular unity and the importance of a conscious and participatory society.

Angola can draw inspiration from the resilience of Mozambique and other countries fighting against injustice, while forging its own path—a path that values autonomy, justice, and respect for its people. Only in this way can Angola avoid the fate that has befallen so many other countries and build a truly democratic and inclusive society.

Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance and Hope

As we observe the call for solidarity from Brazil in support of Mozambique, we are reminded that peace and justice are achievements that require constant vigilance. Angola, a nation rich in culture, history, and resources, should learn from the current challenges faced by its Mozambican neighbors and act wisely to safeguard its future.

For, as the proverb wisely advises, when you see your neighbor’s struggles, it falls upon each of us to “soak our own beard” and ensure that our own house is safe and at peace.

This is a moment for Angola to reaffirm its commitment to justice, freedom, and the dignity of its people, building a path where national autonomy and international solidarity coexist in harmony.

This article uses the proverb as a metaphor for the current situation and the need for Angola to take preventive measures, learning from the challenges faced by Mozambique. The text highlights international solidarity, the importance of democracy, and the power of popular unity, suggesting a path of autonomy and justice for Angola.