Maputo, 17 Jun (AIM) – The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, condemns the wave of xenophobic attacks committed by South African citizens against black Africans, including Mozambicans.
The focus of these xenophobic acts has been black Africans, including Mozambicans. Discrimination against foreign nationals has also been leading to looting, displacement, harassment, and deadly riots, in informal settlements.
At least nine Mozambican nationals have been killed in the current wave of discrimination, and at least 874 citizens have been affected in an escalation of violence “that is leading hundreds of people to return to the country.”
According to Ghebreyesus, in a statement published on the social media X, xenophobia is a tragic betrayal of South Africa’s historic struggle for freedom and justice.
“I’m deeply saddened by the news of new attacks against foreigners, which left several people dead, thousands of families homeless, and many others isolated, fleeing in search of safety. Among the victims are at least seven Mozambicans and five Ethiopians killed in attacks in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. Thousands of others are now fleeing for their lives”, he said.
The Director-General recalled that “African nations united to dismantle Apartheid. Ethiopia proudly supported Nelson Mandela in 1962 and issued a passport so he could travel the continent. Other countries helped in various ways, including with political and financial support.”
Ghebreyesus called on South Africans to solve their grievances through legal channels, rather than resorting to violence. “Disagreements and grievances should be resolved through the justice system and the rule of law, never through violence by paramilitary groups and collective punishment”, he said.
“South Africa deserves better. Africa deserves better. Stop the hate. Protect the vulnerable. Defend our shared humanity”, he added.
Am/
