Hiiraan Online
Saturday, April 18, 2015
NAIROBI (HOL) ----Somalia’s government has pleaded South Africans to stop xenophobia attacks against its citizens, harking back a speech delivered by the late Somali president Siad during the South Africa’s apartheid era in which he stood by South Africans against apartheid leaders.
It’s a strong reminder that sent a message to south Africans who received a message from Somali leader who uttered “‘’Our enjoyment of independence and freedom is meaningless and futile when our brothers in that part of Africa are oppressed and denied their inalienable rights to self-determination.”
Siad Barre has been a vocal advocate for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle as he supported the Liberation Movements of Africa that freed South Africa from apartheid rule.
Dozens of Somalis have been killed in South Africa for the past few years. Many had their businesses robbed and seriously wounded.
South Africa’s government has been inactive towards the xenophobia attacks until last week that troops dispersed and arrested hundreds of youths who were trying to attack foreigners-owned businesses.
"Somalia and its people are shocked to witness such treatment being meted against their citizens when they have been a staunch supporter of their South African brothers and sisters in their long but successful struggle against Apartheid.” said a statement from Somalia’s government on Saturday.
The government urged South Africans to commit to memory the struggle the horn of Africa nation paid to help South Africa.
“History is a testament to the great strides the Somali people and government have gone to ensure the liberation of their brothers and sisters in Southern Africa. Neither effort nor resource was spared in ensuring our South African brothers and sisters’ dignity was upheld. The late President of the Republic of Somalia Mr. Siad Barre said once:” the statement further stated.
South Africans often accuse foreigners of taking their jobs, an explanation they give to legitimize attacks against foreigners in south Africa.