Statement on violence against foreigners in South Africa

Maat: What happened in South Africa is a continuation of populist policies and an escalation of hatred against foreigners in the world

Akil: The crisis has continued since 2008 .. We demand a radical solution and real accountability

Maat Foundation for Peace, Development and Human Rights condemns all acts of anti-xenophobic violence in South Africa, which have resulted in the death of seven people so far, the destruction of dozens of shops and the burning of the property of foreigners of different African nationalities; In what is considered an extension of the populist policies and the escalation of hatred against foreigners throughout the world.

The Maat Foundation calls on the authorities in South Africa to quickly investigate the causes and consequences of the accident, which is not considered the first of its kind, in the country that has long embraced different nationalities and ethnicities from the world and fought for freedom, brotherhood and equality.

Maat Foundation calls on countries that expose their citizens to violence; Including Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana, to exercise restraint and cooperate with the South African authorities to follow up on the progress of investigations and to hold accountable those responsible for igniting these events. It also calls on those countries to prevent the loud internal shouts of revenge against the citizens of South Africa who are present there, and to tighten the security of their embassies and foreign property there.

In this regard; Ayman Akil, Chairman of Maat Foundation, indicated that the economic and social conditions have been deteriorating lately; She is the reason behind the violence. Aqil warned of the escalation of the crisis, as happened in 2008 during the anti-foreign riots, which left 62 people dead, as well as the 2015 and 2018 incidents that killed dozens. Aqeel demanded a radical end and a real accountability for these events.

It is worth noting that Maat Foundation for Peace, Development and Human Rights currently holds the position of North Africa Coordinator in the group of major NGOs in Africa, as well as a member of the General Assembly of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union.