By Zika Bobby

Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has hailed Pope Francis’ latest literary offering: “Hands off Africa,” as a profound beacon of hope for Congo and the vast African continent.

In her preface to the book, released to bookstores worldwide on May 22, Adichie expressed that it evoked a small glimmer of hope for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the beloved but beleaguered continent she calls home. Adichie criticised the rampant exploitation and the consequential exhaustion borne by the country and the continent, emphasising that the world’s silence surrounding these issues is the greatest tragedy of all.

She described the Pope’s messages as “potent” and “a necessary rebuke” aimed at wealthier nations. In her own resolute words, Adichie emphasised that Africa matters because Africans matter, and its significance lies not in its resources but in the intrinsic value of its people.

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The Vatican Publishing House, announcing the book’s release, revealed that it compiles Pope Francis’ powerful speeches during his transformative journey to conflict-ridden regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan in January and February 2023. This work, written in Italian, also showcases the authentic voices and narratives of the individuals Pope Francis encountered during his pilgrimage, ensuring their stories are heard and preserved.

Pope Francis set off a global conversation on the first day of his visit to the DRC, passionately proclaiming: “Hands off Africa! Stop choking Africa: it is not a mine to be exploited or a land to be plundered. May Africa be the protagonist of its own destiny!” As the revered leader of the global Catholic Church and the esteemed Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis consistently advocates for world peace and harmonious coexistence.

Adichie is widely recognised for her extraordinary literary achievements and unwavering commitment to the calls for justice and equality. By aligning with Pope Francis’ transformative book, she emphasises the urgent need for change and reinforces the significance of African empowerment within the global community.