(JollofNews) – The Government of the Gambia Friday condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeting foreigners, mainly African migrants.
Seven people in South Africa have been killed in attacks on migrants since March 20, when South Africa’s Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini spoke out against foreign workers.
“Let us pop our head lice,” he said. “We must remove ticks and place them outside in the sun. We ask foreign nationals to pack their belongings and be sent back.”
He has since said those remarks were taken out of context and that he opposes violence
But in a statement read over state television, Gambia’s president, Yahya the xenophobic attacks on the lives and properties of migrants in South African is totally unacceptable and against the norms and value of the African people.
“The Government of the Gambia strongly condemns this shameful and violent attack meted on African migrants making their living in South Africa,” he said.
“South Africans should remember that the world is three days, they should realise that it was these Africans who stood by them during the Apartheid period. It is most regrettable and shameful for South Africa to pay the black race in this manner.”
Mr Jammeh added: “It’s very sad that today the African National Congress (ANC) is in charge in South Africa whose members were at one time been harboured by their African brothers in other African countries and worst of all the current AU Chair is a South African. The people of South Africa should fully understand that African migrants and shopkeepers are not responsible for their poverty and joblessness but should rather blame their own leaders for their current predicaments.”
The Gambian leader called on the government of President Jacob Zuma to ensure a full compensation for the victims and bring the perpetrators of ‘the heinous brutality’ to justice without delay.
“This onslaught should be the concern of the African Union but unfortunately African leaders are mute over the issue,” Mr Jammeh said.
“The AU seems to be only interested in organising extra -ordinary meetings without implementing any resolution that has been passed. It is high time that the AU lives up to its expectation or give room to another organisation that will defend the interest of the African people.”
