The phenomenal 18 year old, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai wrote an open letter last night to the families of the more than 270 schoolgirls who were abducted by Boko Haram two years ago today. Her letter urged Nigeria and the world to remember the horrors committed on April 14th 2014.
Two years ago today:
On April 14th, 2014, Nigerian militant Islamist group Boko Haram—whose translated name from the Hausa language means: Western education is sinful—committed one of its most nefarious act of domestic terrorism: kidnapping 276 girls from a school in the town of Chibok in northeastern Nigeria. 50 girls were able to flee shortly after being captured. The rest were still held by Boko Haram with minimal reports on their fate.
Malala to Chibok girls' families 2 years later: 'I write this letter with a heavy heart.' https://t.co/6yqUbvy96vpic.twitter.com/45VzZT1IFR
— Women for Women Intl (@WomenforWomen) April 14, 2016
The group has been regularly targeting schools and school children since 2009.
The incident two years sparked a global social media campaign #BringBackOurGirls, that included US First Lady Michelle Obama, and many other activists.
Two years after Chibok, Boko Haram is still terrorizing #Nigeriahttps://t.co/V2uUR9Yl95#bringbackourgirlspic.twitter.com/Ef7rklMAF9
— World Economic Forum (@wef) April 14, 2016
In July, 2014 Malala spoke to the families of the more than 200 schoolgirls in a hotel in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja. On that trip, She alsoo spoke with then Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan about taking committed action against Boko Haram. Malala’s words moved her grieving audience to tears, saying that she sees these girls as her sisters and promised families that she will continue to speak up for them until they are released.
Her open letter today calls upon Nigeria’s current President Muhammadu Buhari to commit to further action in rescuing the girls and stopping Boko Haram.
“I think of you everyday since we first met two years ago—and join millions of people around the world in praying for the safety and swift return of your girls,” said Malala in the letter.
Malala doesn't want us to forget about Nigeria's abducted schoolgirls https://t.co/FVBOAPVxuP#bringbackourgirlspic.twitter.com/kA8dab2hvx
— HuffPost Impact (@HuffPostImpact) April 14, 2016
Malala responded to President Buhari’s comments that Nigeria’s war against Boko Haram has been ‘dealt with.’“Would a president give up the fight for his own daughter? These girls are just as precious to their families?”
Here is a copy of Malala’s open letter:
I write this letter with a heavy heart, knowing you have endured another year separated from your daughters. I think of you every day since we first met two years ago—and join millions of people around the world in praying for the safety and swift return of your girls.
As I did last year, I call on President Buhari of Nigeria—and everyone who can help rescue the Chibok girls—to act now. Would a president give up the fight for his own daughter? These girls are just as precious to their families.
Parents, thank you for having the courage to send your daughters to school. My dream is that one day they will come home, finish their education and choose their futures for themselves.I pray for the day when you can embrace your girls again.
Your sister,
Malala