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ABUJA, NIGERIA – Prominent Nigerian activist and advocate for human rights, Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Arafat Ezenwa, popularly known as Ijele Nwanyi Igbo Nile, has issued a strongly-worded open letter calling on the South African government, the African Union, and other African leaders to take urgent steps to end xenophobia and safeguard the rights of Africans living across the continent.
In the letter titled, “A Call to South Africa and African Leaders to End Xenophobia and Protect African Unity,” Ezenwa warned that persistent hostility and attacks against immigrants in South Africa threaten the ideals of African solidarity and could undermine diplomatic relations among African nations.
Addressing South African activist Ms. Jecinta, Ezenwa said she was speaking “as a woman, an African, and an advocate for justice, equality, and human dignity.”
She stressed that women in leadership positions should embody peace, compassion, and fairness, lamenting what she described as the emergence of sentiments that appear to encourage hostility against fellow Africans.
“God blessed women with a unique responsibility to nurture life, promote peace, and defend humanity. Leadership by a woman should represent compassion, wisdom, fairness, and unity,” she wrote.
The activist added:
“It is therefore deeply painful to see a woman take a leading role in a movement that appears to encourage hostility against fellow Africans who have contributed to the growth and development of South Africa.”
Contents
‘Africa Must Not Forget Apartheid History’
Ezenwa reminded South Africans of the support they received from other African nations during the apartheid era, arguing that the continent’s shared history should inspire unity rather than division.
“The world must remember history. During the painful era of apartheid, when South Africans were denied their freedom and dignity, many African nations and citizens stood firmly with them. Africans provided support, shelter, and solidarity when South Africa needed the world’s help the most.”
She described the current wave of anti-immigrant sentiments in parts of South Africa as “a painful contradiction,” warning that Africa must never reproduce among itself the same oppression it once fought to overcome.
“Today, it is a painful contradiction to see some South Africans turn against Africans from other countries who live and work among them. The same spirit of oppression that Africa fought against should never be allowed to appear among Africans themselves.”
The human rights advocate further noted that no African country exists in isolation, stressing that the continent’s nations are bound together by common struggles and economic interests.
“South Africa must remember that freedom was achieved through sacrifice, cooperation, and the support of many nations. No country exists in isolation. African countries are connected by history, culture, trade, and shared struggles.”
Calls on South Africa, Nigeria, AU and UN to Act
In her open letter, Ezenwa specifically appealed to the Government of South Africa, the Government of Nigeria, the African Union, the United Nations Human Rights Council, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to intervene urgently.
She urged African leaders to introduce stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms to combat discrimination and attacks against immigrants.
“I call on the Government of South Africa, the Government of Nigeria, the African Union, all African Heads of State and Governments, the United Nations Human Rights Council, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to urgently address xenophobia, protect the rights of immigrants, and ensure that every African living in another African country is treated with dignity and respect.”
According to her, failure to confront xenophobia decisively could jeopardise the long-standing dream of African integration.
“Africa needs stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms to prevent discrimination and attacks against Africans by Africans. If this issue is ignored, it will damage the dream of African unity and create unnecessary diplomatic tensions among nations.”
‘The Solution Is Not Hatred’
Ezenwa argued that Africa’s future depends on leadership that promotes justice, responsibility and respect for human dignity.
“The solution is not hatred. The solution is justice, responsibility, and leadership that respects human dignity.”
She further stated that South Africa’s global reputation should be measured not only by its economic strength and historical achievements but also by its treatment of fellow Africans residing within its borders.
“South Africa’s greatness is not measured only by its economy or history, but also by how it treats fellow Africans within its borders.”
The activist concluded by calling on African leaders to recommit themselves to the principles of unity and human dignity.
“I call on all African leaders to remember the principles that bind us together and take action to ensure that the dignity of every African is protected.”
Reaffirming her lifelong advocacy for social justice, Ezenwa declared:
“I remain committed to the struggle for freedom, equity, justice, and the protection of human dignity everywhere.”
The open letter comes amid renewed conversations across Africa about xenophobia, migration, and the need to strengthen continental unity and the protection of human rights for all Africans regardless of nationality.
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