Obafemi Awolowo vs Walid Muallem

Awolowo founded the Action Group political party, which became the dominant party in the Western Region. The party advocated for federalism, social democracy, and rapid development, and it played a key role in Nigeria's independence movement.

As Premier of the Western Region, Awolowo implemented a free primary education program, the first of its kind in Nigeria. This policy significantly increased school enrollment and literacy rates in the region, setting a precedent for educational development in other parts of the country.

Awolowo was convicted of conspiring to overthrow the Nigerian federal government and sentenced to ten years in prison. The trial was politically charged, and his imprisonment removed him from active politics during a critical period, contributing to regional tensions.

During the Nigerian Civil War, Awolowo was appointed Federal Commissioner for Finance. He implemented austerity measures and managed the war economy, including the controversial currency change that affected the secessionist Biafran region.

Awolowo ran for president under the Unity Party of Nigeria but lost to Shehu Shagari. The election was disputed, with Awolowo alleging irregularities. His defeat marked the end of his presidential ambitions, though he remained a key opposition figure.

Walid Muallem was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria on February 11, 2006, replacing Farouk al-Sharaa. He served in this role until his death in 2020, making him one of the longest-serving foreign ministers in the region. He was a key figure in Syrian diplomacy, particularly regarding Lebanon and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Muallem served as the chief diplomat for the Syrian government throughout the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011. He defended the Assad regime's actions at the United Nations and in international forums, denying allegations of war crimes and chemical weapons use. He was sanctioned by the US and EU for his role.

In September 2013, following a chemical weapons attack in Ghouta, Muallem played a key role in negotiating Syria's accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention. The agreement, brokered with Russia and the US, led to the destruction of Syria's declared chemical weapons stockpile, though allegations of continued use persisted.