Elder statesman and former Secretary general of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has called on the government of South Africa to go beyond condemnations and take strong measures to ensure that xenophobic attacks in the country are brought to an end.
The ace diplomat who made the call in a statement made available to Business Hallmark on Wednesday, expressed sadness over the unfolding events, noting that they were condemnable.
“As the Commonwealth Secretary-General who played a seminal role in the negotiations that ended apartheid and ushered in democracy in South Africa I am greatly saddened by the condemnable xenophobic incidents in the country,” Anyaoku said.
“I urge the South African Government to back up its condemnation of these ugly incidents with strong action by its security agencies.”
He also charged the Nigerian government to take necessary steps to protect its citizens and other Africans doing legitimate businesses in South Africa.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria in pursuance of its consular obligations to Nigerian citizens abroad should seek the firmest assurance from the SAG to take all necessary steps to protect Nigerians and other Africans residing and doing business legally in South Africa,” he said.
“The two Governments should immediately establish a bilateral Commission that will be meeting regularly to ensure protection of the two countries’ national interests.”
