By Fai Cassian N
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)
The
National Youth President of NUDP and activist has called on Cameroon government
to look into the plight of Cameroonians living in South Africa. While expressing
disgust on the xenophobic attacks on foreigners (mostly blacks) working in
South Africa, Ndansi Elvis Nukam assured South African nationals living in
Cameroon that they will never be attacked. He however emphasized that “ youths of Cameroon wish to inform the South African government that
if the violence continues and many more Africans are killed, it will consider
joining forces with other African youth movement to stage a boycott of South
African business empires”.
Full text of the Press
Statement below
Yaounde-April 19, 2015
National Mobilisation Against Xenophobia in
South Africa
Press Statement by Ndansi Elvis
Ndansi Elvis in a briefing with the Press in Yde |
Concerned Cameroonian Youth Leader/Activist
Ladies and gentlemen of the Press.
Its my pleasure
to have you here today at short notice for this very important press briefing
on a call for national mobilization against xenophobia in South Africa. Two
weeks ago, Africa and the entire world was shocked by a strange phenomenon that
erupted in South Africa in the city of Durban, where in residents accusing
immigrants of taking their jobs and committing crimes had to launch an attack
on foreigners mostly black burning and looting shops owned by these foreigners.
This violence led to the death of five persons amongst them a 14 year old boy.
This violence has since then continued and as of yesterday the violence had
extended to Johannesburg where in burning, looting of shops owned and
molestation of immigrants continues.
Minute of
Silence.
A word that was
hidden in the dictionary of many has been introduced in the vocabulary of
millions across the world-Xenophobia, meaning a Strong and unreasonable fear of
that which is perceived to be foreign or strange. For many Africans, South
Africa represents a land of opportunity and a heaven of tolerance, but a wave
of violence has tarnished this image and sent foreigners fleeing for safety.
This situation as of now is still very dangerous for foreigners in South Africa
especially in its third largest city of Durban and recently Johannesburg. There
are fears that these attacks will be extended to other parts of the Country. On
Thursday, there was a big rally against xenophobia in Durban, and condemnation
from President Jacob Zuma, called for peace and calm, yet the violence has not
stopped, as many shops of foreigners have been set ablaze and many families of
immigrants tortured. It is estimated that over 8500 foreigners have fled to
refugee centers or police stations and are seeking refuge not including those
who have moved in with friends or relatives or to cities not yet hit by xenophobia.
As President Jacum Zuma said, “ No amount of
frustration or anger can justify the attacks on foreign nationals and the
looting of their shops.” Consequent to this, several African states have said
they are prepared to help their nationals return home. Zimbabwe is helping its
citizens returning home and it is estimated that about 1000 Zimbabwe nationals
will be returning by next week. Malawi has asked for a boycott of South African
Business empires. While other African countries have made strong statements
condemning these acts and taking measures to assure the security of its
nationals, Its is embarrassing that Cameroon has remained quiet up till now
despite the fact that over 1000 of its nationals are immigrants in South Africa
and are subject to these attacks. Our brothers and sister leaving in South
Africa have been turning to our TV and radio channels to hear if they will get
any message of hope and assurance of safety from their own government to no
avail. I have received calls from many Cameroonian youths in Durban who say
their life is not safe and that they cannot even get any message from the
Cameroon embassy as to any orientation they can take for their safety. Some few
weeks ago, we all came out as a united Cameroon to stage several street demonstrations
to show our support to the Arm forces and to say no to Boko haram.
This is because
our territory and citizens is under attack costing our country the lost of
lives of our precious citizens.
We all understand that the life of any single
citizen of Cameroon is of great concern to the government, and that the country
will always stand out at any time to protect the lives of its citizens no
matter where they are found. Mindful of the fact that Cameroon is a peaceful
country and a lover of foreigners Mindful of the fact that many of our African
brothers and sisters are in south Africa and are victims of these attacks. Mindful
of the fact that the youths of Cameroon are well cultured and responsible
Mindful of the fact that as Africans we are one and should live in unity
Mindful of the fact that Cameroon is a state of law and order, The youths of
Cameroon say no to xenophobia in South Africa and any part of the world The
youths of Cameroon calls for a national mobilization against xenophobia in
South Africa and any part of the world.
The Youths of
Cameroon Calls on the Cameroon Government to tell us what plans and measures it
has taken to assure the safety of our brothers and sisters in South Africa.
The Youths of Cameroon wish to inform all South
African nationals in Cameroon that they will never face such attacks from any
Cameroonian. The youths of Cameroon wish to inform the South African government
that if this violence continues and many more Africans are killed, it will
consider joining forces with other African youth movement to stage a boycott of
South African business empires. Above all, we call on all Cameroonians living
in South Africa to be vigilant and stay away from any form of crime and
violence. Together, we remain Africans and this episode of disorder is not
strong enough to dismantle the love and unity and aspiration that we share as
Africans to become one. Thanks you very much dear journalists for coming and I
do hope that you will communicate this briefing to the widest segment of the
globe.
Thank you very
much.
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)
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