The rainbow nation of South Africa has been in a xenophobic eruption since April, in a renewed wave of the assault, which has claimed the lives of two Nigerians, ironically killed by operatives of that country’s National Defence Force. Nigeria is demanding an explanation for this unfair targeting of its nationals. And, in pursuit of this, it has activated the diplomatic protocols required.
In viral footage, foreigners – essentially blacks from other African countries – can be seen being chased by motley crowds with cudgels, with some of them clobbered to stupor, kicked and marched on the ground. This violation and indignity are against all that the African Union (AU) Charter stands for in its guarantees on economic integration and individual and collective rights.
Masterminded by a mélange of political parties and groups, such as Inkatha Freedom Party, MK Party, March and March Movement, and Operation Dudula, the misguided crusaders of this vicious campaign say it is aimed at a “clean up” of their country of foreign elements, who contribute nothing to the economy except to traffic in crime, drugs and prostitution. They also accused them of taking their jobs and eloping with their women.
