The African Union (AU) has expressed grave concern over reports that African citizens in Ukraine will be denied the right to cross borders in order to be safe as they try to flee the conflict in Ukraine. Presidents urge all countries to respect international law and to show the same empathy and support for all people fleeing war, regardless of their racial identity
The President-in-Office of the African Union and President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Macky Sall, and the President of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, closely monitor developments in Ukraine and are particularly concerned by reports that African citizens on the Ukrainian side of the border, would be denied the right to cross the border to be safe.
According to the AU communiqué, The two Presidents recall that everyone has the right to cross international borders during a conflict and, as such, should have the same rights to cross the border to protect themselves from the conflict in Ukraine, regardless of nationality or racial identity. Reports that Africans are being treated differently would be offensive and racist and would violate international law. In this regard, Speakers urge all countries to respect international law and to show the same empathy and support for all those fleeing war, regardless of their racial identity.”
Finally, according to the said communiqué, “The Presidents welcome the extraordinary mobilization of AU Member States and their Embassies in neighbouring countries to welcome and guide African citizens and their families who are trying to cross the Ukrainian border to safety.”
