PAP Condemns xenophobic attacks as Ghanaian MP calls for relocation of PAP

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The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has condemned the acts of violence targeted at foreign African nationals in some parts of South Africa.

In a statement released on Wednesday, 4 September 2019, by PAP President Roger Nkodo Dang, PAP expressed sadness and great dismay at the reports of acts of violence targeted at foreign African nationals in some parts South Africa.

Dang noted that: “The violence and tension are seemingly spreading into other parts of the continent, leading into displacement of helpless people, damage and loss of property, as well as sources of livelihoods; and ultimately the loss of precious lives of our fellow African citizens.”

The PAP President noted that as representatives of the African People, “It condemns in the strongest terms, the attacks of Africans by fellow Africans.” 

While calling for justice for the victims, PAP also called for “calm and dialogue in the most earnest way possible to iron out the tensions that have the potential of undermining peace efforts, drowning not only the economy of the affected countries, but the whole continent.”

Meanwhile, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Ghana's Parliament, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has advised the African Union to consider relocating the Pan-African Parliament from Midrand, South Africa as part of measures to sanction the country for recurrent violent attacks on foreign nationals.

According to Mr Ablakwa, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa should also be stripped of his pending role as chairperson of the African Union for 2020.

In a post on his Facebook page, Mr Ablakwa said South Africa had lost every moral justification to keep the Pan African Parliament after yet another attack by South African citizens on nationals of African countries.

"We cannot accept the unending waves of xenophobic attacks in South Africa which is but a painful betrayal of the African solidarity against apartheid.”

"Perhaps it is time to relocate the Pan-African Parliament to another country. SA has lost every moral justification to keep it"

Statement by PAP President Hon. Roger Nkodo Dang

‘The violence and tension are seemingly spreading into other parts of the Continent, leading into displacement of helpless people, damage and loss of property as well as sources of livelihoods; and ultimately the loss of precious lives of our fellow African citizens.

  

“As the Representation of African People, the Pan-African Parliament condemns in the strongest terms, the attacks of Africans by fellow Africans. While calling for justice for the victims, the Continental Parliament calls for calm and dialogue in the most earnest way possible to iron out the tensions that have the potential of undermining peace efforts, drowning not only the economy of the affected countries, but the whole continent.

“The PAP wishes to convey deepest condolences to all families that have lost their beloved ones and extends sympathy to individuals affected in different ways. The PAP is also concerned about reports that the attacks have not only been directed at foreign nationals but also some citizens of South Africa.  

“PAP believes that the nature of the problem calls for all African Leaders to reflect on the real problems that affect ordinary citizens and that may spiral into uncontrollable revolt if not addressed and contained in time. These attacks have the potential to reverse all the gains made by the Continent to date and must be seriously addressed to avoid further damage.

“The Pan-African Parliament also believes that South African Authorities will continue to guarantee security during the upcoming Session of October 2019, to ensure that all African “Parliamentarians, staff and participants perform their duties with ease during the said event and during their stay in South Africa.

“The PAP advises Stakeholders to ensure that the source of the tensions is confronted as a matter of urgency, and that permanent peace and stability are restored in the affected countries.  PAP urges Citizens to uphold the tenets of Human Rights by continuously showing respect for human dignity, belief in human equality, as well as appreciation of diversity, which is an asset that the rest of the world appreciates about Africa.

“Finally, PAP welcomes all efforts by the Government of South Africa and different stakeholders towards halting the attacks and in providing humanitarian assistance to the victims.