Anyaoku condemns xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku condemned reported xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, calling them regrettable and painful in light of the support African countries gave during the anti-apartheid struggle. He recalled his efforts to facilitate negotiations, including his 1991 meeting with F.W. de Klerk and his intervention when talks threatened to collapse; the final agreement was signed in his presence at 3:30 a.m. on November 17, 1993. At the same Abuja event, Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima urged the country’s elites to show restraint and verify information before sharing it online.