Can Africans Unite In Hungary?

 ANH EDITORIAL

Africans in Hungary are making efforts to adapt to the environment they live. Integration has not been easy for majority, especially in a country like Hungary with a distinct language and without job opportunity for foreigners - Africans in particular. Even it is not that rosy for those Africans who have been in this side of the globe since early 60's.

Despite the challenges, many Africans have been able to make some move in order to understand and overcome the obstacles in their way. Although Africans here are still to act as one voice or act as a group, individuals have struggled to make some impact.  

Politics is no go area even though Mr. Gibril Deen, founder Mahatma Gandhi Human Rights Movement, made an attempt to represent the minority in the parliament in April 2010. He did not get the required votes to contest. However, some Africans are in the verge of making a break through in the areas of food and entertainment; human rights and sports.

For example, there are AfroCenter, African Center, Savannah Cafe and Music Club, and Mount Cameroun restaurant. We have had Miss Afro which was organised by African but obviously funded by Hungarian. We have two football clubs - African Stars and Internationale Club de Football founded and being administered by Gibril Deen and Nelson Victor respectively.

Africans have since engaged in cultural activities even though some do claim their performances are not authentic. There are many of our brothers and sisters who have formed bands playing here and there - at events and occasions. Notable among them are African Melody Band led by Dava Gin; Onix Jamsreel, SANKOFA which unfortunately has mellowed down. Even we have not been hearing of Afro Magic which once dominated the field.    

There is Fekete Pako, a man it seems, initially created by Hungarian TVs to ridicule Africa and its people. Ironically, Pako's funny bait (some would say stupidity) has made him the most famous (or infamous if you prefer) African in Hungary.

There are also foundations being run by Africans: Sahara foundation, Mahatma Gandhi, Afrikaért, Ebony Organisation - to mention but a few. 

While we have a few CEOs and directors, there are many doctors and entrepreneurs and traders doing well in their chosen fields.   

But there is lack of togetherness. This has invariably allowed some smart Hungarians to dominate African issues through different NGO's and cultural groups claiming to cater for Africa and its people in Africa. Notable among these numerous NGO's is AHU (African Hungarian Union) led by Balogh Sándor.

There is no doubting the fact that Africans need a voice in form of association in Hungary. It may be a daunting task but it is highly necessary. This call may seem naive judging from the fact that, the continent itself is not that united in spite of the so-called African Union. 

Apparently, there are many talented Africans in different fields but wasting away due to lack of encouragement, motivation and, or finance. A  strong African union or association can assist in many ways. The idea is to have a united voice in our host country. 


We at ANH do not pretend that such move will be a piece of cake. Whatever the challenges however, Africans especially those who have become naturalized Hungarians and have become successful in their careers and have decided to "die" here should think about it. Such organisation has been a success in other places. 

We must do this - if not for ourselves - for our children. We must do it for them, because though they are born in Hungary and of course they are Hungarians, many still consider them Africans. These children need us to guide them and fight their cause. We have to make them proud of us by doing something tangible as a group. 

Again, the idea is for Africans to act like a broom when, if together, sweeps clean than as a single entity.  It is time Africans moved a step forward in Hungary with one voice. Who will lead in this crusade, and more importantly is it possible?