The resurgence of the problem of xenophobia in South Africa was a brief talking point during yesterday’s OACPS session.
Emphasis was placed on that no African should feel unsafe on the continent. There was a call particularly from a Sierra Leon delegate that South Africa should take decisive action and accountability steps concerning the perpetrators of xenophobia.
For the last three to four weeks South Africa has been experiencing a renewed and significant surge in xenophobic sentiment, characterised by violent anti-immigrant protests and vigilante activities against foreign nationals, primarily from other African nations.
Delegates pointed out that this was a cause for concern because other African States supported South Africa in yesteryears. Another issue raised during the session was that visa denials or delay among African States is also rife. It is normally from one African to another.
