As the fire of xenophobia rages on in South Africa, some African countries have registered their displeasure over how the South African Government is handling the issue, by pulling out of the World Economic Forum (WEF), billed to take place in Cape Town this month. Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Malawi, have all pulled out of the forum. Zambia has also cancelled a scheduled football match with the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.
The South Africa’s Government’s attitude toward the xenophobic attacks has been seen as enabling. In the face of obvious killing, maiming and looting of businesses belonging to foreign nationals, the security agencies seem to be missing in action.
The deputy Minister of Police, Bongani Mkongi, told the press that “South Africa cannot be surrendered to foreign nationals.” In a situation where some communities are made up of about 80% foreign nationals, it is seen as a threat to the existence of the locals.
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Therefore, the attack is to eliminate as much foreign nationals as possible before they dominate South Africa.
In the light of obvious insouciance by the South African Government, other African countries are looking for ways to curtail the situation and protect the lives of their citizens.
The Nigerian Government has summoned the South African High Commission, who unremorsefully, denied the existence of xenophobia in South Africa.
Other African leaders have strongly condemned the attacks, calling on the AU to act quickly in addressing the situation before it deteriorates to contagious reprisals.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have been protesting online and offline, in the places holding South African businesses. There have been reports of violence in those places.
The boycotting of WEF is a strong signal that may extend to other things that South Africa has to do with other African countries.
Nigerians are urging their government to follow the steps of Malawi, DRC, Rwanda and Zambia by pulling out of WEF.
Meanwhile, Nigerian singer, Burnaboy has vowed not to step into South Africa again until the South African Government takes serious steps to address issues of xenophobia.
It is rather worrying to read about this “Nigerians are urging their government to follow the steps of Malawi, DRC, Rwanda and Zambia by pulling out of WEF.”