The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, IPCR, has expressed concern over the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals by some miscreants in South Africa.
The Director General of IPCR, Prof. Bakut Bakut, who noted this in a statement signed by the Head of Media IPCR, Mr. Musa Mato, on Wednesday in Abuja, condemned the killings and burning of properties belonging to Nigerians other Nationals.
Bakut called on the South Africans to remember the historical relationship between them and other African countries, during the days of apartheid.
He also urged the government of South African to caution its people and allow peace to prevail even as he called on Nigerians to remain calm and not to retaliate or take the laws into their hands as the Federal Government was taking steps to address the situation.
Bakut said it was important to build on the two countries relationship than to destroy it, as diplomatic crisis will not speak well for both countries and the African continent as a whole.
“We should build on what unite us more than what divides us. Attacking each other would not help us, it will only destroy the foundation of our relationship.
“Nigeria and South Africa have come a long way. We have been living together and doing things in common.
“This is not the time to tear apart, but a time to build a common front for the development of the two countries,” he said.
Bakut noted that Nigerians and South Africans had investments in each other’s countries and as such both countries should look for a way to harness the profitable venture that will build a peaceful co-existence.
He also cautioned against using languages capable of escalating the crisis, urging the South African government to restrain its citizens and asked them to put a stop to the orgy of violence.
“Nigerians are hard working people and should not be subjected to molestation, harassment or killings just because they are not citizens of a particular country,” he said.
NAN
