You must stop attacks, FG tells S’African govt

The Federal Government on Thursday warned South Africa to stop the attacks on foreigners, asking that appropriate measures be put in place to “prevent a recurrence.”

Also, the Nigerian Representative to the African Union – Economic, Social and Cultural Council, Dr. Tunji Asaolu, warned against reprisals, calling on African countries to unite against the xenophobic violence currently going on in South Africa.

A statement by the Public Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, condemning the attacks which, it said, began two weeks ago, said it abhorred violence and also “stand firm in its conviction that no cause could justify taking innocent souls.”

It reads in part, “The people and government of Nigeria stand in solidarity with the rest of the world to condemn these unprovoked attacks on fellow Africans, who have left countries to seek greener pastures and better livelihood for themselves.

“The government of Nigeria would like to use this medium to reiterate its abhorrence of violence and also stand firm in its conviction that no cause could justify taking innocent souls.

“The Federal Government therefore calls on the government of South Africa to live up to its responsibilities and take all necessary steps to stop the ongoing xenophobic attacks and put in place policies and structures to prevent a recurrence.

“It is gratifying to note, however, that the South African President has condemned the attack. In addition, the city of Durban has also organised rallies against xenophobia.”

Asaolu, who is also the Chairperson, Social Affairs of Health cluster committee, in a statement in Abuja, also called on the South African government to do all within its ability to stop the violence and protect all foreigners in the country.

He said, “Other African countries must rise to support the South African government at this time. African countries must unite to ensure that there will be no repeat of 2008 scenario, where about 62 people were killed. We understand what the government is going through now and we express our sympathy.”