Abuse of Africans in China “unacceptable” – AU Commission

Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Ambassador Kwesi Quartey, has condemned the mistreatment of some Africans in China.

Videos were rife online depicting instances of some Africans being ejected from homes and hotels with some reports suggesting that the actions were carried out by the Chinese without a refund.

The development followed China’s efforts of tightening their fight against the deadly coronavirus which originated from the Asian country.

Over 3,300 lives have perished with more than 82,000 infections in but the country has made significant strides in slowing infections. At the same time, the world is battling to control the fast-spreading contagion, which is edging to 2 million cases worldwide.
Ambassador Quartey stated on Monday, March 14 that “following the reported incidents of brutalities and related injuries allegedly inflicted on Africans in Guangdong provinces in the People Republic of China”, he invited the Chinese Ambassador to the African Union, Amb. Liu Yuxi, to the Commission for a discussion on how the matter would be resolved.

“I informed Ambassador Yuxi that given the closeness of the relations between China and Africa, the reported incidences were clearly unacceptable,” he stated.

Mr Quartey explained that Mr Yuxi “registered the regret and embarrassment that the incidents have caused China”.

According to him, the Chinese Ambassador outlined steps to restore calm and protect the safety, security and dignity of the African population in China.

“Amb. Yuxi informed me that the Chinese whose social media post caused the unfortunate incident has been arrested. Also, law enforcement personnel exerting excessive force have been reprimanded and cautioned to exercise restraint, while discharging their duties. He also mentioned that two hotels have been secured for the affected Africans and cost would be borne by the Chinese government. Furthermore, seized passports and personal belongings have been retrieved and handed over to their rightful owners,” he indicated.