African delegates in China speak out against xenophobic violence

African delegates in China have condemned xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa. They called for more unity among African nations.

While attending training programs by the Academy for International Business Officials, the delegates spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria about the ongoing violence. They found the attacks troubling and against the spirit of Pan-Africanism, solidarity, and peaceful living.

‘In Africa, we are all one’

Yusupha Bojang from The Gambia’s National Council for Civic Education said Africans need to see themselves as one people, no matter the colonial borders.
“We first have to recognise that in Africa we are all one. These boundaries are artificial creations. We should treat each other as brothers and sisters,” he stated.

He pointed out that frustrations over local issues should not be taken out on other Africans living in different countries.
“If you have any problem, it should be channelled to your government, not innocent citizens legitimately carrying out their activities,” he added.

Bojang called for a united African voice against xenophobia.
“We need to unite. When we see wrongs happening, we should all come out to condemn them because it can happen to anybody,” he said.

Jallow Gibbi, a journalist with Dunia Radio in The Gambia, expressed sadness over reports of Africans attacking each other.
“When I watched the news, I was embarrassed to see Africans fighting Africans. It is not humanitarian and it should not happen,” he said.

Mr Gibbi urged African leaders and international groups to push for peace and unity on the continent.
“We are all the same. One Africa, one people. We should unite and stay together,” he stressed.

He mentioned that Gambian diplomatic sources said no Gambian citizen had been reported affected by the attacks but advised people to stay alert.

Richard Jombi James from South Sudan’s Ministry of Culture, Museum and National Heritage said African unity is vital for progress.
“We are all Africans from the north to the south, east and west. We cannot attack ourselves. We are one Africa, one people,” he said.

Remembering Africa’s support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid fight

Kawu Muhammed Lawan from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy said the attacks are especially troubling given the help many African countries gave during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
“Looking at all the efforts other African countries made to end apartheid in South Africa, it is embarrassing to witness hostility against fellow Africans today,” he said.

Mr Lawan urged African leaders to take real steps to protect their citizens and improve regional integration.

Emmanuel Nok, a legal expert with South Sudan’s Ministry of Culture, Museum and National Heritage, said Africans must reject violence and discrimination.
“We feel hurt as Africans when we see fellow Africans being hunted by other Africans. We should condemn such behaviour because it goes against the spirit of African brotherhood,” he said.

Mr Nok added that many African nations host citizens from nearby countries, and peaceful living is critical for economic growth and regional cooperation.

The delegates called on governments, regional organizations, and civil society to promote tolerance, build social bonds, and uphold African unity.
They also urged Africans to focus on shared development goals, saying stronger cooperation will lead to peace and progress across the continent.