The President of the Pan-African Parliament released a media statement on behalf of the Parliament expressing their views with regard to the outrage of xenophobia in the country.
The honourable President Roger Ngodo Dang explained that the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has learnt with sadness and great dismay about reports of acts of violence targeted at foreign African nationals in some parts of South Africa.
He said, “The violence and tension are seemingly spreading into other parts of the continent, leading into displacement of helpless people, damage and loss of property as well as sources of livelihoods; and ultimately the loss of precious lives of our fellow African citizens.
“As the Representation of African People, the Pan-African Parliament condemns in the strongest terms, the attacks of Africans by fellow Africans. While calling for justice for the victims, the Continental Parliament calls for calm and dialogue in the most earnest way possible to iron out the tensions that have the potential of undermining peace efforts, drowning not only the economy of the affected countries, but the whole continent.”
Dang said that the PAP wishes to convey their deepest condolences to all families that have lost their beloved ones and that they extend their sympathy to individuals affected in different ways.
“The PAP is also concerned about reports that the attacks have not only been directed at foreign nationals but also at some citizens of South Africa.
“PAP believes that the nature of the problem calls for all African leaders to reflect on the real problems that affect ordinary citizens and that may spiral into uncontrollable revolt if not addressed and contained in time.
“These attacks have the potential to reverse all the gains made by the continent to date and must be seriously addressed to avoid further damage.”
Dang further assured that the South African authorities will continue to guarantee security during the upcoming session in October this year, to ensure that all African parliamentarians, staff and participants perform their duties with ease during the said event and during their stay in South Africa.
“The PAP advises stakeholders to ensure that the source of the tensions is confronted as a matter of urgency and that permanent peace and stability are restored in the affected countries.
“In conclusion, PAP urges citizens to uphold the tenets of human rights by continuously showing respect for human dignity, belief in human equality, as well as appreciation of diversity, which is an asset that the rest of the world appreciates about Africa.”
Dang said that the PAP welcomes all efforts by the Government of South Africa and different stakeholders towards halting the attacks and in providing humanitarian assistance to the victims.
Related Article:
Scenes that sum up the sad state of affairs in South Africa this week