Nigerian professionals in South Africa urge AU to check xenophobia

Johannesburg, July 23, 2015 (NAN) The founder of the Guild of Nigerian Professionals in South Africa, Mr Adetunji Omotola, on Thursday urged the African Union to tackle xenophobia on the continent.

Omotola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg that the African Union should insist that any act of xenophobia was an abuse on human rights.

“ The issue of xenophobia in South Africa is unfortunate and uncalled for.

“ I suspect the reason for that (xenophobia), is that they are scared of their neighbours.

“They should look at their African neighbours and examine what these people bring into their country and leverage on it,“ he said.

Omotola said such neighbours could bring skills and dynamic entrepreneurship to South Africa which might be useful to them.

According to him, South African companies operating in the continent were doing very well and have received cooperation in host countries.

“ We should see a reverse of all that. There is no reason why people would not be able to move around freely in the continent.

“ I think the issue of xenophobia is an issue that affects every African because we are being battered by racism in Europe and America and now on our continent,“ he said.

Omotola urged the African Union to take xenophobia on the continent seriously and ensure its eradication. (NAN)