Offshoots of the latest xenophobic incidents in South Africa’s city of Johannesburg has sparked off citizen reactions in some African countries – specifically in Zambia and South Africa.
A group of concerned citizens in Zambia have written to the police with notice of a peaceful march and gathering at the premises of the South African Embassy in the capital Lusaka.
The group said the march was “to show displeasure to the South African government for the horrific conduct exhibited by their citizens and complacent approach their government has taken.
The march planned for September 4 it added: “is in no ways intended to cause any harm but just to communicate our concerns and observations,” the statement added. Clearance has yet to be given.
Nigeria’s government in a statement condemned the violence of Monday September 2 but citizens on social media have severally condemned the violence and called for drastic action.
A 2017 video of South Africa’s former Deputy Police Minister, Bongani Mkongi, shared by a local portal, The Signal Nigeria, has got Nigerians including the governor of Delta state, rattled.
WATCH | “You won’t find South Africans in other countries dominating a city up to 80%… we cannot surrender South Africa to foreign nationals.” ~ South Africa Deputy Minister of Police Bongani Mkongi #XenophobicAttacks #Xenophobia pic.twitter.com/vSUwzytRv9
— SIGNAL (@thesignalng) September 2, 2019
I am pleased that @GeoffreyOnyeama has taken a tough stand against #Xenophobia by #SouthAfrica, a country Nigeria fought hard to free from apartheid. President @MBuhari must ensure that the lives & businesses of Nigerians there are as safe as those of #SouthAfricans here. Enough! https://t.co/FUW4ZQLkNw
— Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) September 3, 2019
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the repeated violent attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. The Federal Government must immediately liaise with the South African authorities to protect the lives and livelihoods of all our citizens.#SayNoToXenophobia
— Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (@IAOkowa) September 3, 2019