. Appreciates President Ramaphosa’s promise to arrest perpetrators
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the situation of violence and looting of properties targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
In its statement yesterday, the Ministry condemned the heinous act of violence and looting of properties perpetrated against foreigners including Ethiopian citizens in South Africa.
The Ministry also said it is encouraged by the statement of South Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa, denouncing the acts and his promise to arrest perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
“We would also like to see continued and robust measures taken by South African authorities to contain the violence and ensure our citizens’ security and safety.
The Ethiopian Embassy in Pretoria is closely working with authorities and members of the community to address the situation,” said the Ministry’s statement.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat condemned the incidents of violenceagainst nationals of fellow African countries in South Africa including the looting and destruction of their property.
The Chairperson also encouraged by arrests already made by the SouthAfrican Authorities. Further immediate steps to protect the lives of people and their property, ensure that all perpetrators are brought to account for their acts and justice be done to those who suffered economic and other losses, he called.
The Commission is committed to support the South African government in addressing the root causes that led to these despicable acts in order to promote peace and stability, he reiterated.
“Attacks on businesses run by foreignnationals are something totally unacceptable, that we cannot allow happening in South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said in a video posted to Twitter. “I want it to stop immediately,” he added.
Recently, Ethiopia’s embassy in South Africa has advised its citizens to close their businesses during the ongoing tension. Ethiopians are advised to distance themselves from any confrontation and conflict and not go out wearing expensive jewelry.
The Ethiopian Herald September 5/2019
BY TSEGAYE TILHAUN
