From Victor Osula, Abuja
The African Union, AU, and the West African regional body, ECOWAS have warned Ukrainian officials against racial maltreatment of Africans in the warn-torn eastern European country warring with Russia.
Video footages have shown Ukrianian policeman and soldiers forcefully stopping Africans from boarding train meant to take persons out of Kiev, while persons of other nationality were allowed access without molestation. Some Africans who have managed to board were even removed by the officials.
To make matters worse, neighbouring Poland where many of the stranded Africans had managed to cross into were also seen barring the hapless Africans from entering while also granting access to other nationalities
The AU said it is disturbed by reports of Africans in Ukraine being refused the right to cross the border to safety.
According to AU, all countries are obliged to respect international law and offer assistance to everyone fleeing from the war irrespective of their race.
“Reports that Africans are singled out for unacceptable dissimilar treatment would be shockingly racist and in breach international law,” AU said in a statement issued late Monday.
In the same vein, ECOWAH has stated that Africans living in Ukraine had complained of racism at the Ukraine-Poland border.
In a statement it urged both parties to agree to a ceasefire and to resolve the crisis through dialogue and ensure the safety of Africans living in Ukraine.
Its statement came as Russia and Ukraine began face-to-face talks for the first time since Russian forces entered Ukraine five days ago.
‘Ukraine’s delegates have said they want an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of troops from their territory; Russia’s negotiators have talked of a deal that’s in the interests of both sides.’
