By, Tayo Olatunji, Ibadan.

The African Stewardship and Leadership Empowerment has condemned the continued xenophobic attacks on African nationals, especially Nigerians, in South Africa.

In a statement jointly signed by its Global Coordinator, Ambassador Saheed Hammed Oloro, and Media Coordinator, Ambassador Olawale Ogunbusola, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, the organization described the attacks as “a betrayal of Pan-Africanism.”

The organization noted that African countries share the same culture, lifestyle, history and resources, saying differences in economic status should not lead to the subjugation of fellow Africans.

“The continent of Africa shares the same culture, lifestyle, occupation, history and wealth. Difference in economic disposition should not give rise to the subjugation of her fellow nationals,” the statement read.

AFSTAD-LEIN said the progress of the region lies in unity, not division. It urged the South African government to act decisively against the menace to sustain shared relationships and wealth creation.

While describing the attacks as an infringement on the human right to habitation globally, the group urged Nigerians in the diaspora and other African nationals to remain law-abiding and respect societal ethics and boundaries to avoid undue attacks.

The organization also called for massive public education to curb ethnographic and xenophobic crises. It urged the African Union, ECOWAS and other international bodies to legislate and enforce rules against xenophobia.

Meanwhile, AFSTAD-LEIN commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, for the proactive repatriation of affected Nigerians from South Africa. It urged government to sustain an enabling environment for business and the protection of talent.

“We commend the proactiveness of the Nigerian government and its representatives to South Africa, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, over the repatriation of Nigerians in the diaspora.

“However, government at all levels must provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, with unfailing security for more prosperity in the country. ‘Japa’ should be discouraged for ‘Japada’ through the provision of necessary infrastructure, support for families and security,” the statement said.