MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Somali federal government says it is “deeply concerned” by the escalation of violence in the Republic of South Africa, following the chaos caused by supporters of former President Jacob Zuma, who has been in police custody for several years. days.
Zuma is serving a 15-month prison sentence after defying a series of court orders, which necessitated his arrest and incarceration. The move angered his loyal supporters across the country.
But Somalia, which has already lost four nationals, now wants the South African government to protect its citizens, mostly businessmen who are targets of rioters. The Foreign Ministry further said that relations between the two countries would not be compromised.
“Somalia calls on the South African government to extend all its efforts to protect Somali nationals from brutal acts, to ensure the safety of their lives, their businesses and the preservation of their lives,” the statement read. of the ministry.
“Somalia is proud of its historic relationship with the South African people during its struggle against apartheid and the extent of multiple political, economic and strategic support is provided over a period of time.
Reports from South Africa indicate that nearly 70 people have been killed, particularly in Kwazulu Natal province in Zuma, with rioters mainly targeting businesses. Police worked to contain the violence, forcing the leaders to call for reinforcements from the military.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Wednesday condemned in the strongest terms the outbreak of violence which resulted in the deaths of civilians and appalling scenes of looting of public and private property, destruction of infrastructure, including the suspension of essential services in Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng and other parts of South Africa.
The President sent his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy and full recovery to the injured, said a statement from the African Union Mission.
Faki also called for an urgent restoration of order, peace and stability in the country with full respect for the rule of law. He stressed that failure to do so can have serious consequences not only in the country but in the Region as a whole.
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