Nigerian activist and 2027 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has joined a Free Palestine protest in New York, United States, during demonstrations held as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the city for the United Nations General Assembly.
Sowore disclosed his participation in a post on his official X handle on Friday, saying he joined the demonstration to show solidarity with Palestinians and call for justice and respect for human rights.
Sowore Joins Free Palestine Protest
Sowore said he participated in the protest in New York on Thursday, September 24, while Netanyahu was in the city to address the United Nations General Assembly.
In his statement, the AAC presidential candidate said his participation was intended to demonstrate support for Palestinians.
He also said he wanted to draw attention to what he described as the need for justice and respect for human rights.
Sowore wrote:
“Yes, today in New York, I joined the Free Palestine protest. No justice, no peace! #FreePalestine!”
He added that he condemned what he described as genocide being committed by Israel in Gaza and said he joined the demonstration to make clear that, in his view, Nigerians stand for justice and human rights for Palestinians.
Watch the video below;
Yes, today in New York, I joined the Free Palestine protest. No justice, no peace! #FreePalestine!
I condemn the genocide being committed by the state of Israel in Gaza.
I joined to make it clear that Nigerians
stand for justice and human rights for Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/RKSnqq5aqm— Omoyele Sowore (@sowore) September 25, 2026
Protests Held During Netanyahu’s UN Visit
Several demonstrations took place in New York on Thursday as Netanyahu addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Protesters gathered around the UN headquarters, with demonstrations focusing on Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and opposition to United States military support for Israel.
The demonstrations formed part of wider protests surrounding Netanyahu’s appearance at the United Nations.
Protesters Arrested In New York
Police made arrests during some of the demonstrations.
Reports said at least 30 people, including actors and politicians, were arrested earlier at one protest outside the United Nations.
Later reports put the number of arrests across the various protests in New York at more than 100.
The available reports do not establish that Sowore was among those arrested.
Netanyahu Addresses United Nations
The demonstrations took place as Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions in Gaza during his address to the United Nations General Assembly.
During the speech, dozens of delegates walked out of the assembly hall.
The protests and Netanyahu’s appearance therefore took place against the backdrop of continuing international disagreement over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the wider conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Sowore join the protest in New York?
Yes. Sowore said he joined a Free Palestine protest in New York on Thursday, September 24.
Why did Sowore say he joined the protest?
Sowore said he joined to show support for Palestinians and to demand justice and respect for human rights.
What did Sowore say about the situation in Gaza?
He said he condemned what he described as genocide being committed by Israel in Gaza.
Were protesters arrested during the demonstrations?
Yes. Reports said protesters were arrested during demonstrations in New York, with later reports putting the total number of arrests across the protests at more than 100.
Was Sowore arrested?
The information provided does not establish that Sowore was arrested during the demonstrations.
Final Takeaway
Omoyele Sowore joined a Free Palestine protest in New York while Benjamin Netanyahu was in the city for the United Nations General Assembly.
Sowore said his participation was intended to express support for Palestinians and call for justice and human rights. The wider demonstrations resulted in arrests, while Netanyahu addressed the UN amid protests and opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
