Ambassador Kwesi Quartey writes after meeting China’s Ambassador Liu Yuxi over inhumane treatment of Africans in China.
Following the reported incidents of brutalities and related injuries allegedly inflicted on Africans in Guangdong provinces in the People Republic of China, I invited the Chinese Ambassador to the African Union, H.E. Amb. Liu Yuxi, to the Commission today for a discussion on how his 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.
In his reaction, Ambassador Yuxi reiterated the immense value China places on its relationship with Africa and China’s commitment to protecting and developing this relationship. He registered the regret and embarrassment that the incidents have caused China. The Chinese Ambassador recounted steps the government has taken, and continues to take to restore calm and protect to the safety, security and dignity of the African population in China.
H.E Ambassador 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 restrain whilst 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 expressed overall regret for what had happened and intimated China’s determination to use this as a lesson to improve relations with their African brothers.
Clearly this matter has caused grief, pain and humiliation to all Africans.
Africa values its relationship with China but not at any price. Further act of brutality meted out to Africans will not be countenanced by the African Union and indeed all Africans.
Source- Ambassador Kwesi Quartey ( Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission)
