Protests Against Ukraine Invasion

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May 15 protest against Putin in Winnipeg Canada.

Protests against Russia for invading Ukraine are no longer as massive as last year, when Putin launched the military offensive. However, protests globally, have a pattern.

Protests in London, Winnipeg, Montreal, Berlin, Johannesburg and Lagos have two protesters: genuine and accidental.

Genuine protesters have megaphones and conduct chants. I was going to say they also have placards but changed my mind. Sometimes they are placed strategically where anyone can pick them up. I’ll take a risk and say genuine protesters also are in T-shirts with messages in large letters.

Accidental protesters are passers-by, who were going nowhere in particular. Maybe they took a walk down the block or went to buy juice at the convenience store. They see the action and join the march.

"What are you marching for?”

Accidental protesters just shrug and repeat the orchestrated chant. They can also be dangerous to the cause because they might go wild once they see television cameras. They can initiate behaviour such as looting or join, if it is already in progress.

Accidental protesters in Africa, Nigeria and South Africa in particular, include kids, boys. They love any activity that looks like fun and has photographers milling around.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.

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