The West African Journalists for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (WAJESHA) has condemned the rising cases of xenophobic attacks against Africans living in South Africa.
The group made its position known in an official statement signed by its Editor-in-Chief, Aminu Adamu Ahmed on Thursday.
WAJESHA said the attacks are unacceptable and called for urgent action to stop the violence.
“These attacks are wrong. They are cruel. And they have no place on this continent,” the group said.
The organisation described Africa as a continent already facing major challenges such as poverty, disease, climate change, food insecurity, and political instability, saying violence against fellow Africans only worsens the situation.
It said those affected are not strangers but “our people who share the same African blood, history of struggle, and hopes for a better future.”
WAJESHA also raised concern about the psychological impact of the attacks on victims.
“We are deeply troubled by the mental and psychological damage these attacks are inflicting on victims. Fear, trauma, displacement, and loss leave lasting scars,” it said.
The group warned that the violence is also affecting relations between African countries, including trade and cooperation.
It described xenophobia as a betrayal of Pan-African values, saying it goes against the vision of unity promoted by African leaders.
“Every act of xenophobic violence spits on that legacy,” the statement added.
WAJESHA called on the South African government to take immediate action to stop the attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We urge South African authorities to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice and deploy every available resource to stop the violence,” it said.
The group also called for a national campaign to promote tolerance, dignity, and respect for all Africans living in the country.
It further urged civil society groups, religious leaders, the media, and citizens in South Africa to speak out against the violence.
