AU condemns attacks on African students in India

The African Union Commission is extremely unhappy about reports of recent attacks on African students in India.

In a press released copied to ghanabusinessnews.com, the Commission said, “The African Union Commission is extremely appalled by the heinous attacks against African students in Noida and other cities in India. It deplores the violence unleashed during the riot that started on Monday, March 20, 2017.

The release said the attack targeted Africans of various nationalities, particularly Nigerians, which resulted in loss of innocent lives and serious injuries.

It adds that the attacks have also resulted in the displacement of many Africans from their normal places of residence, thereby putting their lives in serious danger.

The Commission expresses its heartfelt condolence to the families of the deceased and wishes speedy recovery to all those who have sustained injuries. The Commission calls on the Indian authorities to provide all necessary support to the injured, it said.

The Commission welcomes the assurances by the Indian authorities to conduct a “fair and impartial” probe and urges the authorities to expedite the investigations in order to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attacks, it further said.

Additionally, the Commission called on the Indian authorities to take all necessary steps, in order to ensure the safety and security of all African citizens currently living in India, underlining the long standing bonds of solidarity and cooperation that exist between Africa and India.

The Commission is deeply concerned by the increasing incidents of hate crime and xenophobia in some parts of the world and urges the concerned Governments to take necessary steps to prevent these crimes, it also noted.

By Pamela Ofori-Boateng