Somalia raises concerns over deaths of its nationals in South Africa

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MOGADISHU, Somalia - The federal government of Somalia says it's "deeply concerned" with the escalating violence in the Republic of South Africa, following chaos instigated by supporters of embattled former President Jacob Zuma, who has been in the police custody for a couple of days.

Zuma is serving 15-month imprisonment after he defied a series of court orders, something that necessitated his arrest and incarceration. The move irked his staunch supporters across the nation.

But Somalia, which has already lost four nationals, now wants the government of South Africa to protect its citizens, mostly businessmen who are targeted by rioters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further said the relationship between the two countries won't be jeopardized.

"Somalia calls for South Africa government to extend all its efforts to protect Somali nationals from brutal acts, to ensure the safety of their lives, businesses, and preservation of their lives," read the statement from the ministry.

"Somalia is proud with its historic relationship with the people of South Africa during their struggle against apartheid and the extent of multiple political, economic and strategic support is provided over a period of time."

Reports from South Africa indicate close to 70 people have been killed especially in Zuma's Kwazulu Natal province, with rioters mainly targeting businesses. Police have struggled to contain the violence, forcing the leadership to call for army backup.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Wednesday condemned in the strongest terms the surge of violence that has resulted in the deaths of civilians and appalling scenes of the looting of public and private property, destruction of infrastructure, including the suspension of essential services in Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng and other parts of South Africa.

The Chairperson extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a rapid and full recovery to the wounded, a statement from the Africa Union Mission read.

Faki also called for an urgent restoration of order, peace, and stability in the country in full respect of the rule of law. He stressed that failure to do so can have grave impacts not only in the country but the Region as a whole.

GAROWE ONLINE

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