Image Source: Addis Standard
Local – The South African government has pushed back against the World Health Organisation after the global health body described recent deaths of foreign nationals in the country as xenophobic violence, saying the characterisation is inaccurate and misleading.
The dispute comes after WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus took to social media to condemn what he called a devastating week of anti-foreigner attacks.
“It is profoundly heartbreaking to witness another surge of xenophobic violence in South Africa this week. Hundreds have marched on Parliament, thousands of families have been displaced, and lives have been tragically cut short. Thousands more are now fleeing for their lives,” Tedros said.
The Presidency expressed sympathy for those affected but rejected the WHO’s version of events. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation will engage directly with the organisation, with officials saying that the information provided to the WHO was neither accurate nor reliable.
“The Presidency deeply regrets the tragic loss of life in these recent incidents, as one life lost is simply one too many. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and communities affected,” the Presidency said.
The government insisted that the WHO’s characterisation of the Ethiopian deaths did not reflect what investigators had found on the ground. Law enforcement agencies are actively probing the matter, and authorities say the evidence points to organised crime.
“The WHO’s characterisation of the deaths of the Ethiopian nationals is, unfortunately, incorrect. The events that led to the deaths of these Ethiopian nationals fall within the realm of organised crime, as has already been publicly reported, and are being actively investigated by law enforcement agencies,” the Presidency said.
Regarding the five Mozambican nationals who died in Mossel Bay, the South African Police Service confirmed an investigation was active. President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration reiterated that only duly authorised law enforcement officials hold the mandate to enforce the law.
