Pan African Youth Union condemns xenophobic attacks in SA

The Pan African Youth Union (PYU) has condemned recent xenophobic attacks being meted out to Africans from across the continent in the Republic of South Africa.

A press statement issued by Mr Bening Ahmed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the PYU said it was deeply saddened by the news of horrific attacks that had taken place, describing it as vicious, detestable, unacceptable and an affront to the Pan African ideals.

"We strongly condemn this violent behavior by criminal elements within the South African Society in no uncertain terms", the statement said.

"Being conscious of the instrumental role African countries played in the liberation of South Africa from Apartheid, its unimaginable that the same South Africa we stood in solidarity with in the most difficult time of their history will become our murderers." The statement added.

Hate Speech

The union also condemned hate speech by some leading political and public figures within the South African society, indicating that their role as leaders must be to promote peaceful coexistence and harmony.

Responsibility to Protect

The PYU urged the government of South Africa and its security agencies to take action in protecting migrants according to international law. The South African government it said, has a responsibility to protect the life and property of every person within it sovereign jurisdiction and hence it cannot accept the silence and inaction from the South African authorities.

Condolences

The PYU expressed its deepest condolence to the families and citizens of countries affected by the attacks which it described as cowardly acts.

Restraint

The PYU called for maximum restraint by fellow youth across Africa. It mentioned that some reprisal attacks being witnessed cannot be a solution to the current situation and urged all to remain calm.

The union further called on the South African government to take immediate action to protect citizens of Africa and bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice, failure to which they would advise themselves on the next step to take against the Republic of South Africa.