Obasanjo Knocks Jacob Zuma Over Xenophobia In South Africa

Ex-Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has blamed leadership of the South African Government for xenophobic attacks in the country.

Obasanjo said this, Wednesday, in the wake of attacks and intimidation of Nigerians living in South Africa.

The former president, who spoke in Abeokuta while receiving the leadership of National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS) Kuru, attributed the attacks to the “laxity and insincerity” of the Jacob Zuma-led government.

“I will apportion more blame to the leadership of the South African government,” Obasanjo said.

“While the immaturity of the youths can be excused, the leaders ought to realise the importance of unity and brotherliness in Africa.

“While I blame the youths of the country for the attacks, I will blame the leaders of any country more that allows xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans for whatever reason.

“African leaders should also step up measures at developing their countries and improve the living standards of their citizens.

“This will discourage our youths who because of under development and poor living standard seek greener pastures outside their countries.

“I feel disheartened learning that many of our youths perish while crossing the Sahara Desert or the Mediterranean Sea,” he said.

THE WHISTLER reports that President Zuma has downplayed the recent incidence of violence against foreigners in his country, saying that South Africans are not xenophobic.

He said that feuds between people in South Africa must not be incorrectly termed xenophobic violence.

“What I am saying is, we should not highlight that and give the wrong impression that South Africans are xenophobic.”

“Even if there are no foreigners, I know faction fighting – for example – if there is a fight, people loot, whether you are a foreigner or not. It is a character that goes with violence,” Zuma was quoted as saying on Tuesday at the Rietgat Police Station in Soshanguve.