Xenophobic attacks: Ex-President Jonathan speaks

Against the backdrop of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has challenged African leaders to strive to protect the rights and businesses of fellow Africans within their domain.

The former President made this call in a key note address he presented Thursday at the ongoing International Peace Summit in Sao Tome and Principe, adding that sustainable development is only possible in an atmosphere of peace and security.

Emphasising the need for leaders to protect lives and property on the Continent, Jonathan further said: “To make meaningful progress, Africans must be encouraged to treat one another as brothers and sisters, in love and unity. Relations within and between nations should never be allowed to degenerate to a level where citizens will resort to self-help by visiting violence on fellow Africans and their legitimate business interests.

“Growth and development can only be cultivated and sustained when leaders ensure that the rights and freedoms of citizens as well as migrants are respected and protected.”