The United Govt Entrance has referred to as on the Ghanaian authorities and the African Union to take pressing steps to guard Ghanaians and different African foreigners dealing with xenophobic assaults in South Africa.
In a press launch dated Might 10 and signed by United Govt Entrance Chairman Oliver Agbenyo Ahiafor and Secretary David Posh Aggrey, the Tema-based group condemned what it referred to as the continued “barbaric mistreatment” of African migrants, together with violent assaults, looting of retailers, compelled evictions and intimidation in some elements of South Africa.
The assertion stated the assault went past a standard legal act and was a deliberate act of xenophobic violence focusing on fellow Africans due to their nationality.
“The Tema Subregional United Govt Entrance condemns within the strongest doable phrases the xenophobic assaults and barbaric abuses being perpetrated in opposition to foreigners of African descent in some elements of South Africa.
We’re deeply disturbed by credible studies of violent assaults, retailer looting, compelled evictions, and intimidation focusing on foreigners, together with Ghanaians. These acts should not remoted crimes. When mobs single out fellow Africans for violence due to their nationality, it’s xenophobia, plain and easy. It betrays the unity that liberated the continent from colonialism and apartheid,” the assertion reads partly.
The group stated the current evacuation of Ghanaian nationwide Emmanuel Asamoah after a violent conflict captured on a viral video highlights the risks at present dealing with Ghanaians residing in South Africa.
It additionally famous that the Ghanaian Excessive Fee in Pretoria had issued a public advisory advising Ghanaians to keep away from non-essential journey following current xenophobic assaults and anti-immigrant protests in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The group additionally famous the historic relationship between Ghana and South Africa, reminding South Africans of the assist supplied by Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana through the anti-apartheid wrestle.
“We remind South Africans and the world of the debt we owe to the remainder of Africa. Through the darkest days of apartheid, Ghana opened its doorways, supplied diplomatic assist, and mobilized materials and ethical assist to the liberation wrestle,” the assertion reads partly.
The group stated assaults on Ghanaians and different African nationals undermine the spirit of African solidarity and unity that contributed to South Africa’s liberation from apartheid rule.
The assertion additionally famous considerations reportedly raised by Nigeria, with the Nigerian Senate condemning the assault and calling for an investigation, prosecution, and elevated safety for nationals of African descent residing overseas.
The United Govt Entrance referred to as on the Ministry of Overseas Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana to instantly have interaction with the South African authorities to make sure safety ensures, justice for the victims and compensation for the victims.
It additionally referred to as on the African Union to ship a fact-finding mission to place strain on South Africa to implement the rule of regulation and forestall future assaults.
“African unity just isn’t a summit slogan. It’s a contract paid in blood and sacrifice. We are going to betray that contract if we fail to guard African lives in Africa.
We stand in solidarity with all African foreigners underneath assault in South Africa. We demand speedy motion, swift justice and a dedication from the South African authorities to finish these inhumane practices. ”
