The Afrophobic Attacks In South Africa

The world went on a jubilation spree when Nelson Mandela was released from prison and this signaled the beginning of the end for the apparthied system in South Africa. I remember that afternoon very well because i was glued to my father's black and white television set. I was so much interested in happenings around the world at that very young age. That was one of the moments i will forever cherish in my lifetime.

I also remember watching the reactions of several world leaders and victory parades held in almost all of the African countries. I still have that nostalgic feeling of that glorious day. Most African countries supported the ANC in their fight against the apparthied regime. This was a brutal struggle and the black South Africans who were in the majority were being discriminated against on several fronts, thus they became fed up with the system and took up arms to fight for their legitimate rights.

Thus, elections were held and Nelson Mandela won with an overwhelming majority to become the first black president of South Africa. They then gradually started to consolidate their rule. Many years have passed and successful elections have been held in South Africa. We were then taken aback when xenophobic attacks against fellow black Africans by South Africans took place with a lot of foreigners loosing their lives and properties. This was somehow stopped and normalcy prevailed.

Fast forward to 2015, we were met once again with attacks on black foreigners by South Africans in the major cities and towns. It seems the police is not doing much to curb and control the situation as shops owned by foreigners are looted and burnt with a number of these foreigners loosing their lives.

My question is, is this how South Africa repays the rest of Africa for helping them get rid of the appartheid regime? What have we done wrong to deserve these barbaric acts? Other African countries can also retaliate by expelling the South African envoys, boycotting South African owned businesses etc etc.

I see these attacks as afrophobic and not xenophobic because only black African foreigners are being attacked. God save our brothers and sisters in South Africa. Those behind these attacks must be found and dealt with. These are crimes akin to war crimes and i hope the ICC is watching. The indictment should come fast for whoever made statements to incite these afrophobic attacks to be hauled before the ICC to face the full rigours of the law.