The African Union (AU) yesterday condemned the reported ill treatment of Africans who are trying to leave Ukraine following the tension between Russia and Ukraine happening in the country that has seen innocent civilians injured by the conflict.
African residents in Ukraine have been trying to flee Ukraine after Russia invaded the country last Thursday but are allegedly failing to cross the boarders due to racial discrimination.
In a statement, the current Chair of the African Union H.E Macky Sall and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat reiterated that all people have the right to cross international borders during conflict, therefore, should be allowed to enjoy that right and cross to safety from the conflict in Ukraine.
The two Chairpersons recall that all people have the right to cross international borders during conflict, and as such, should enjoy the same rights to cross to safety from the conflict in Ukraine, not withstanding their nationality or racial identity.
“Reports that Africans are singled out for acceptable dissimilar treatment would be shockingly racist and in breach international law. In this regard the Chairpersons urge all countries to respect international law and show empathy and support to all people fleeing war,” statement read.
African countries have been making efforts to evacuate their people from Ukraine, Zimbabwe among them communicated that all Zimbabweans should contact the embassy in Berlin for assistance.
On 21 February Russia attacked Ukraine with a full scale invasion and further threatened devastating consequences if any other country interfere.
Meanwhile, Russian military convoy proceeds invading Ukraine’s capital Kyiv after negotiations talks failed to produce ceasefire.
