The Pan African Youth Union (PAYU) has condemned the recent xenophobic attacks on other African nationals residing in South Africa, urging the country’s government to ensure the security of foreigners living in the country.
Bening Ahmed, PAYU Deputy Secretary-General, in a statement, said that it was deeply saddened by the news of xenophobia and horrific attacks on fellow Africans in the Republic of South Africa, describing it as detestable and unacceptable.
The group, while condemning the violent behaviour by “criminal elements within the South African Society in no uncertain terms”, called on the government of South Africa and the security agencies to take action at ensuring the protection of migrants according to international law.
“We further condemn hate speech by some leading political and public figures within the South African society. Their role as leaders must be to promote peaceful coexistence and harmony.
“We regard these violent actions as barbaric, inhumane, unAfrican and uncivil, which should have no place on our continent. The fundamental human rights of every person whether migrant or citizen must be guaranteed and respected.
“The South African government has a responsibility to protect the life and property of every person within its sovereign jurisdiction. We cannot accept this silence and inaction from authorities,” the statement read in part.
PAYU, while recalling the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Kampala Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, noted that South Africa had obligations as a state party to uphold its commitments within the union, recognising the ideals of African founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
