Emanuel Matondo, Angolan conscientious objector
Today we gather here at the Brandenburg Gate to mark this year’s International Conscientious Objectors’ Day, which we celebrate every May 15. For it was from this historic place in Germany, Berlin, that the slogan «Never again war! Never again fascism!» emerged after the catastrophe of 1933—1945. In other words: Never again racist rule!
Today, 80 years later, we stand here as citizens of Germany and of almost every nation in the world who raise their voices in various ways against war and consistently refuse to serve in the armed forces. In doing so, we are resisting all those who would have our societies believe once again that war is a normal state of affairs or that war can only be ended by war. No, war is the most abnormal state there is on this earth, after natural disasters.
I come from a country that suffered greatly from decades of war, left bleeding and destroyed. That is why I know what I am talking about. And I understand the real message when someone stands in front of me with a weapon in their hand and still talks about peace. I learned a lesson from the history of my homeland and refused: Please do not trust anyone who talks about peace with a weapon in their hand!
And what lessons have you, Europe, learned from your tragic history between 1940 and 1945? Apparently none! What lessons has the world learned from World War II? Almost none!
Who speaks loudly about peace? Who speaks seriously about sayings such as «turn swords into plowshares»? War has become attractive again, not only in the West. All I hear at the moment is the marching music of war, on all channels. Militarism is flourishing again all over the world, helping the arms industry to an unprecedented boom. The largest producers of war and killing goods «Made in Germany» have seen a record increase in their shares on the stock market of up to 1600% in recent days. Suddenly, many people from almost all walks of life are rushing to buy shares in this arms manufacturer en masse, wanting to profit from rising bloody stocks. What was morally and ethically reprehensible or controversial in Germany just a few years ago is suddenly normal. Militarism is reviving in Germany in 2025!
Because we resist all wars, wherever we live and wherever we are as conscientious objectors, we call on all progressive forces: Stand up against war, its drivers, and its profiteers! For war consumes the resources of nations and condemns the population to extreme poverty.
War and militarism are two siblings that, on the one hand, often cement nationalist-racist attitudes such as hatred and exclusion in societies and, on the other hand, are used by governments as an argument to cut social spending, for example. War and the costs of promoted militarism are also declared necessary, while at the same time governments shirk their responsibility to combat mass impoverishment or build affordable housing. Refugees and migrants are made scapegoats, and governments also wage war against these groups. Say «Sir! No Sir!» to all these wars.
In 1967, over 503,000 soldiers refused to fight in the Vietnam War, paving the way to stop this human slaughterhouse of their insane government. We are once again at a crossroads in the history of humanity. Resist war, racism, and poverty!
In the midst of the tragedy of the Vietnam War, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called out: «Nations must overcome three demons of society, namely war, racism, and poverty, in order to bring about justice». This also applies to Germany today, because many parties and the core of its leaders have long since lost focus on peace-building approaches and social issues. Instead, they serve the capital that promotes the war economy. Refuse now! Stand up for your civil rights!
Thank you!