Xenophobic violence: Somali government appeals to South Africa

Somali Prime Minister, Abdi Farah Shirdon has appealed to South Africa to protect Somali citizens/Photo©Reuters

 

In an unprecedented move, the government of Somalia has called on South Africa to protect its citizens in the country, in the wake of xenophobic violence against Somali nationals.

Last week saw a wave of attacks against foreign owned shops in the country with widespread looting.

In an open letter from the Somali Prime Minister, Abdi Farah Shirdon to President Jacob Zuma, the Somali government appealed for urgency on the matter.

"I appeal to the Government of the Republic of South Africa as a matter of urgency to intervene and contain this unnecessary and unfortunate violence against Somali business communities to preserve peace and stability."

Thus far, there's been no reported attacks against foreign nationals today.

Last week a Somali national was stabbed to death as xenophobic violence against foreign nationals spread to others cities in South Africa. 



A Somali national was stabbed to death in Greenfields, in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, the third murder in the area. 



Police said two men were beaten to death earlier in the week after they allegedly robbed a shop.
Residents also looted foreign-owned shops, barricaded roads, and burnt tyres.



This as government sent out a stern warning to those involved in the attacks.



At the weekly cabinet briefing, it called on "communities to be vigilant against the possible resurgence of criminal violence targeting foreign nationals". 



The statement added, "it was cautious not to label this violence as xenophobia because preliminary evidence indicates that these acts may be driven primarily by criminality".

But evidence so far shows that it was foreign nationals who have borne the brunt of the violence, looting and attacks.

The violence against foreign nationals started a week ago with violence flaring up in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg.

A Somali national, Bishar Isaack allegedly shot dead two Zimbabweans outside his shop when they allegedly tried to rob him.

He was arrested and appeared in court, with the case being postponed to (Tuesday ) June 4, when he is expected to lodge a formal bail application.

On the other side of the city in the Vaal region, police received around 100 complaints of looting and vandalism of shops belonging to foreigners and South Africans.



Scores of people were arrested for the attacks in both areas.

Meanwhile, the ruling ANC and its alliance partner Cosatu have condemned a recent spate of violence against foreigners.



"The xenophobic violence incidents of 2008 are a lesson all of us must constantly draw from to foster unity and cohesion amongst our communities," ANC spokesman, Jackson Mthembu said in a statement.

"Regardless of what the cause of these violent protests may be, the ANC condemns any attacks on members of society, irrespective of nationality," he said.

Source: The africa report.com