Xenophobic attacks cast dark cloud over SA at Brics
Concern remains over Pretoria's response to the attacks
The 18th Brics Summit in India concluded with concerns over anti-foreign sentiment in South Africa, while African journalists expressed deep disappointment over the xenophobic attacks. President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with leaders from Ethiopia, Uganda, and Nigeria, attended the summit in New Delhi. The African leaders held bilateral meetings to discuss the attacks, which led to the repatriation of thousands of people.
Reports surfaced of two Nigerians, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunie in Johannesburg and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo in Cape Town, being killed allegedly during police interrogations. Waniala Paul, a multimedia producer from Uganda, acknowledged the need to address irregular migration but rejected the idea that African migrants are inherently criminal.
He emphasized that being undocumented does not justify harassment or violence. Paul noted that the attacks tarnished South Africa's image, known for Nelson Mandela's anti-apartheid struggle and African liberation. However, he stressed that the hostility should not define the entire country or its people. Nigeria's Idehai Frederick, chair of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria, stated that xenophobia undermined African solidarity and the spirit of Pan-African brotherhood.
He rejected claims that African migrants fuel crime, stating that many contribute positively to the economy. Frederick emphasized that most Nigerians recognized the attacks were not official government policy, but concerns were growing as some government officials openly supported xenophobic actions.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
