The envoys of African countries in India have decided to boycott the African Day celebrations conducted by the Indian Council Of Cultural Relations (ICCR). The boycott comes in the backdrop of African nationals being subjected to discrimination and targeted violence. A lot of African students come to India to study in Universities, some in very reputed ones. The atmosphere in the universities though cordial, outside the university campuses what African students and other nationals have to face has been horrific at worst.
What is Africa Day? Africa Day is celebrated on May 25 to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). On this day, leaders of 30 of the 32 independent African states signed a founding charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Incidents of violence against Africans 1. A 23 year old Congolese student was killed in New Delhi has sparked outrage among the African diaspora in India and the general populace.
2. The video of an African national who was beaten up by many people in a metro station has increased the fear among African communities in India.
Many more isolated incidents which had racial overtones had happened in various cities of India.
Response of government
Sushma Swaraj has since then been in damage control mode, she has asked her colleague Gen V K Singh to meet the African envoys and assuage their fears besides spokesperson Mr Vikas Swarup tweeted on the historical relations between Congo and India and also assured the African community in India who are benefiting pf their safety and security.
The Logical Indian appeals to all the concerned citizens of our country to take a tough stance against racism and Afro-phobia. We as Indians should empathize to the cause of Africans, we as Indian nationals have been at the receiving end of racism in various parts of the world, we can’t be the monster we intend to conquer. When Indians faced racism we sought justice to them, it is time we call for justice for the victims of Afro-phobia in India. The government should do all it can to ensure the safety of African citizens in India besides start a campaign to shun racism in India, India and Indians stand for much greater cause.
