African Diaspora Forum calls for state of emergency in South Africa
The African Diaspora Forum (ADF) has written an open letter
to President Cyril Ramaphosa, to declare a state of emergency following the
unrest that targeted foreign nationals in the past few months.
ADF's Marc Gbaffou says for close to a month, attacks on migrants in the country have been carried out and gradually intensified.
This is on the backdrop of violent attacks on foreign-owned shops in the Pretoria Central Business District (CBD), Johannesburg, the East Rand and Durban CBD.
Trucks driven by foreign nationals have also come under attack and torched on major highways.
On Monday morning, Police Minister Bheki Cele revealed more than 600 people were arrested in connection with the unrest.
Twelve people have lost their lives.
Gbaffou says foreign nationals living in the country are horrified.
"Many of them are victims from war-torn countries and are watching in disbelief what is unfolding before their eyes," says Gbaffou.
They can see that attacks are carefully coordinated and target foreign-owned businesses. The aim is to destroy any means of survival for the victims.
"We fear that large scale attacks of genocide-like proportions will take place."
READ THE LETTER BELOW:
African Diaspora Forum calls for state of emergency in South Africa by Jacaranda FM News on Scribd
ALSO READ:Cele: Death toll from unrest now at 12
He added that the number might change as the police conclude its investigations. Cele confirmed the latest death toll after engaging a summit hosted by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday. His address follows concerns expressed by the business community on the impact the weeks of unrest could have on investment and the economy.