South Africa should expect repercussions from other countries over the former apartheid state’s lacklustre approach in handling xenophobic attacks, Malawi government officials have warned.
“Our message to the government of South Africa is clear: Protect other nationals or expect trade repercussions as we cannot continue discussing regional trade integration with a country where our citizens and of our trade partners are being attacked” said Nankhumwa.Minister of Information, Kondwani Nankhumwa, told reporters in Blantyre that government was discussing with the African Union (AU) and other SADC countries over joint measures against the South African government.
Unconfirmed reports claim that in addition to repatriating the country’s nationals, president Peter Mutharika has written Jacob Zuma indicating that Malawi will not hesitate in joining other African countries over suggestions to recall high commissioners to South Africa and cut off any trade ties with the country should the attacks continue.
Meanwhile, Mutharika has cut short his US trip in order to travel to South Africa to engage Zuma on the matter before making a conclusive decision.
“The two governments are continually talking to each other on how best to handle the matter to prevent an escalation” Nankhumwa added.
Zimbabwe has also condemned the attacks, calling the xenophobia in South Africa worse than apartheid as shops and houses owned by suspected foreigners continue to be ransacked.
The ANC has, meanwhile, labelled the attacks “unpardonable” and “barbaric”.
Source: – www.malawi24.com
