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Over 60 groups petition AU to probe, punish Tunisian president over racist comments against black Africans

More than 60 African and diasporan groups have signed a petition to the AU Commission Chair, Moussa Faki requesting an investigation be launched into racist comments made by the president of Tunisia against black immigrants.

At a February meeting of the National Security Council, President Kais Saied described undocumented Black African immigrants as “hordes” bringing “violence and crime” to Tunisia. He then went on to embrace the white supremacist “great replacement” conspiracy theory and allege that immigration from sub-Saharan African countries is aimed at changing Tunisia’s demographic composition.

The petition which was spearheaded by Africans Rising said acts of violence against black Africans including the 10 percent black Tunisian population have increased due to President Saied’s racist comments.

Read excerpts of the petition below; 

“We, the undersigned groups, movements, and organizations in Africa and the diaspora are deeply concerned about the situation of black Africans in Tunisia following the recent racist remarks made by the current President of Tunisia, Mr. Kais Saied. While meeting his national security officials, he said inter alia, “The undeclared goal of the successive waves of illegal immigration is to consider Tunisia a purely

Since his remarks, fellow Africans have been continuously harassed and attacked in Tunisia, evicted from their rented accommodation, and threatened. Admittedly, discrimination against fellow Africans in Tunisia is not new. However, the statements made and the position taken by President Saied are signs of his intention to institutionalise this hate and racism into national policy, a dangerous prospect indeed.

We join the African Union, and well-meaning individuals and organizations in Tunisia, the continent, and Diasporas in condemning President Saied’s racist remarks. As a member of the African Union, Tunisia must treat people from any part of Africa – East, West, South, Central, or North with absolute equality, respect, and hospitality. While the statement issued by the Chairperson is commendable, it is necessary to take further action and hold President Saied responsible for his racist remarks that have put the lives of fellow Africans in danger.

We call on the African Union Commission to:

1. Investigate any cases of abuse suffered by fellow Africans following the comments by President Saied.

2. Hold President Saied personally responsible for any attacks against fellow Africans in Tunisia, including threats to life, injury, and death following his remarks

3. Subject President Saied’s conduct to the test of upholding the principles enshrined in the AU Constitutive Act and the AU Charter on Human Rights.

4. Put pressure on President Saied and his government to guarantee the safety of fellow Africans living in Tunisia.”

 

 

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