I've had trouble now and again in Nigeria because I have spoken

In the land where the mighty Niger flows, a great philosopher and writer arose—Chinua Achebe, whose words continue to echo across the world. In his reflection, he shared a truth that resonates through the ages: "I've had trouble now and again in Nigeria because I have spoken up about the mistreatment of factions in the country because of difference in religion. These are things we should put behind us." Here, Achebe speaks of the bitter divisions that have plagued his beloved homeland—divisions rooted in religion, ethnicity, and tribalism. These are not mere historical footnotes; they are forces that continue to shape the fate of nations, leaving scars upon the souls of men.

Achebe's life was inextricably linked with Nigeria’s struggles. He was not only a writer but a witness to the complex, often violent interactions between the different factions of his country. Throughout his career, Achebe saw firsthand how religious differences and tribal loyalties led to the suffering of countless individuals. The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, left deep scars on the collective consciousness of the nation. It was a conflict that arose in part due to the mistrust and division between the Igbos and other groups, often exacerbated by religious tensions. Achebe, a member of the Igbo ethnic group, used his pen to speak truth to power, and in doing so, he faced not only the wrath of his own people but of his enemies as well.

In this quote, Achebe speaks of the mistreatment that occurs when religion becomes a wedge to divide people, a tool used by the powerful to oppress the vulnerable. These divisions are not new. From the ancient empires to the present, mankind has constantly found ways to separate itself, to create others who are different. This human tendency to dehumanize those who are seen as "other" is an ancient flaw—one that has cost millions their lives. Religious conflicts have been the source of many wars, persecutions, and injustices throughout history. And yet, Achebe’s call is for something profound—to put these things behind us, to rise above our differences and seek unity. This plea to set aside the barriers of religion and ethnicity, to focus on our shared humanity, is an eternal lesson.

The wisdom of Achebe finds resonance in the ancient world. Confucius spoke of harmony, urging that we should act with benevolence, and that to maintain peace, we must first seek to understand and respect the differences between us. He said, "The superior man is concerned with the root; when the root is established, the Way will grow." What Confucius taught is that true peace and unity come from cultivating mutual respect, not from suppressing or denying our differences. Achebe’s words echo this same sentiment—understanding and respecting our differences is the key to creating a more just and peaceful world.

Achebe’s struggle was not just political; it was deeply personal. The country of his birth, Nigeria, was a mosaic of cultures and faiths, a place where the Christian south met the Muslim north, and where traditional African beliefs coexisted with these foreign religions. He knew, as all great thinkers do, that true unity cannot be achieved by pretending that differences do not exist, but by acknowledging them and finding ways to move forward together. His call to put religion and factionalism behind us is a call to heal the wounds of a fractured nation, to transcend the animosities that have long fueled conflict and division.

The lesson that Achebe imparts is as timeless as it is urgent: we must put division behind us, whether it be caused by religion, race, or any other means of separation. The future of any nation, or any community, depends on the ability of its people to see beyond the artificial divisions that have been created and to embrace the common humanity they share. In this, Achebe is not merely asking for tolerance, but for reconciliation. It is through reconciliation—a willingness to lay down old grievances—that true peace is forged.

Let us take these words to heart. Religious intolerance and tribal conflict have no place in the world we seek to build. We must, each of us, strive to recognize the dignity of others, not for what they believe or where they come from, but for the simple fact that they are human. In this lies the key to healing. In this lies the path to peace. Let us unite, not by ignoring our differences, but by celebrating them as part of the rich tapestry of humanity. Put behind us the shackles of division, and move forward in the light of understanding, for in that light, the world becomes a better place for all.

In the end, Achebe’s words challenge us to go beyond mere tolerance and to embrace compassion and understanding. As we carry this wisdom forward, let us remember that true peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of unity in the face of it.