17th April, 2015
The African Union (AU) on Thursday in Addis Ababa, described the South Africa xenophobic attacks on foreigners as unacceptable and called for an immediate halt.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the Chairperson, AU Commission, said in a statement that “whatever the challenges we may be facing, no circumstances justify attacks on people whether foreigners or locals.”
The attacks had escalated with foreign-owned shops being looted and torched while some foreigners have been burnt alive and others brutally assaulted.
She welcomed current efforts by the South African government to engage those affected as well as the deployment of more police officers to provide protection and keep law and order.
The AU chief decried the incident as particularly unfortunate as the continent was approaching the celebration of the African Freedom Day on May 25.
“On 25 May we remember the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, which played such a critical role in mobilising international solidarity to end apartheid.
“The challenges faced by South Africa—poverty and unemployment, are challenges faced by all countries on the continent.
“We must work together to address them and build a better future for all Africans, she said.