AFRICA | AOMA condemns xenophobic violence against migrant African-owned businesses in South Africa

The African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA) expresses its concern over the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where widespread looting and torching of foreign-owned African shops have been reported in Johannesburg and in Pretoria a few days earlier.

AOMA underscores the need for African states to address the root cause of such conflicts, including issues of immigration governance and economic challenges of unemployment and poverty.

AOMA further stresses that xenophobia has no place in South Africa, a member of the African Union (AU), sharing along with other nations of the continent in the AU normative framework, particularly the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights that upholds the sanctity of life, human dignity, equality and non-discrimination.

AOMA urges the use of diplomatic channels by African governments in finding a workable solution for all citizens of Africa affected by the violence.

The full statement of the AOMA on this issue can be found further down below in English and French.

Source: African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA)