African Union release statement on the reported ill treatment of Africans trying to leave Ukraine

The African Union Chairpersons has urged all countries to respect international law and show the same empathy and support to all people fleeing war notwithstanding their racial identity.

African Union statement on Ukraine war below:

The current Chair of the African Union (AU.int) and President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Macky Sall, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, are following closely the developments in Ukraine and are particularly disturbed by reports that African citizens on the Ukrainian side of the border are being refused the right to cross the border to safety.

The two Chairpersons recall that all people have the right to cross international borders during conflicts, and as such, should enjoy the same rights to cross to safety from the conflict in Ukraine, notwithstanding their nationality or racial identity.

READ: President Buhari Condemns Discrimination Against Fleeing Nigerians In Ukraine

Reports that Africans are singled out for unacceptable dissimilar treatment would be shockingly racist and in breach of international law. In this regard, The Chairpersons urge all countries to respect international law and show the same empathy and support to all people fleeing war notwithstanding their racial identity.

The Chairpersons commend the efforts by African Union Member State countries and their embassies in neighboring countries to receive and orientate African citizens and their families trying to cross the border from Ukraine to safety.

Meanwhile, The Polish Government has denied discriminating against Nigerians and other Africans, who are heading towards the Poland border due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Read More: Russia-Ukraine War: Poland Denies Discriminating Against Fleeing Nigerians, Africans