The African Union (AU) has condemned the ongoing of xenophobic attacks against citizens of other African states across South Africa.
In a press statement, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat condemned violence meted against foreign nationals including looting and destruction to business properties.
Faki urged the government of President Ramaphosa to take immediate steps to curb violence while bringing those responsible to justice.
“The AU calls for immediate steps to be taken to protect the lives of people and their property, ensure that all perpetrators are brought to account for their acts and that justice is done to those who suffered economic and other losses,” said Mahamat.
The AU chair praised South African security forces for their efforts to control the situation.
“The Chairperson reiterates the AU Commission’s continued commitment to support the South African government in addressing the root causes that led to these despicable acts, in order to promote peace and security, within the framework of the AU’s longstanding principles of continental solidarity,” said the statement.
Several businesses were torched since the violence started, among those affected include Somali business centers mainly in the major cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
