… urges S/Africa, others to show responsibility
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says the recurring xenophobic attacks on non-nationals in South Africa are fuelled by poor governance on the continent, the consequence of which is growing frustration and despondency among young Africans.
This, the NLC argues, has led to involuntary migration of Africans around the world in searching of greener pasture and survival.
Against this backdrop, the labour says African leaders and governments must demonstrate responsibility and be accountable to the people to mitigate these attacks, which it describes as ill wind with the potential to cause a major crisis on the continent if allowed to continue.
Ayuba Wabba, president, NLC, condemning the development in strongest terms, advises, “Factors that make migration a necessity and zero-sum choice should be removed through imaginative leadership.”
Wabba, however, particularly calls on the South African government to do a thorough interrogation of xenophobia within her borders and to take progressive measures to rein it in, saying “we ask the South African government to muster effective protection environment for foreigners.
“We are of the view that simply labelling people as xenophobes will not serve any useful outcome. Rather, we urge courage, incisive and profound approach to use education, economic palliatives and political uprightness to counter xenophobia.”
According to Wabba, “people, especially migrants, refugees and asylum seekers all over the world are and should be welcomed and not made targets of conscienceless attacks. For Africa and South Africa, the pursuit of togetherness, care, warm reception towards and hospitality to others are some of the enduring attributes and essence of the Ubuntu spirit.
‘‘It is unacceptable that foreigners, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are labelled criminals as a justification to subject them to extra-judicial actions.
“NLC considers the South Africa government’s condemnation of this recent xenophobic attack as a positive action. We however call on the government to go beyond condemnation to investigate, prosecute and sanction persons, groups or individuals that might have played any role in this mindless attack on foreigners. ‘’A conscious approach to accountability will send a firm signal to other potential xenophobes and xenophobia instigators and participators of the consequences that await perpetrators.”
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