By Lloyd Takawira
Several Africans residing in China’s Guangzhou city have cried foul over their mistreatment in the Asian country.
This follows reports that Africans are being subjected to forced blood tests and evacuation from their residential areas.
The Chinease Foreign Affairs Ministry has since embarked on a damage control initiative claiming that the country’s relations with Africa remain cordial.
The Spokesperson Zhao Lijian in a tweet said, “China and African countries are united more than ever, demonstrating brotherhood in times of adversity. We treat all foreign nationals equally in China. We reject differential treatment, and we have zero tolerance for discrimination”.
Several African governments and opposition political parties across the continent have been rebuked the Chinese Government.
African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Fakki summoned the Chinese envoy to the AU over the recent reports.
“My Office invited the Chinese Ambassador to the AU, Mr Liu Yuxi, to express our extreme concern at allegations of maltreatment of Africans in Guangzhou plus called for immediate remedial measures in line ,” AUC chair Moussa Faki Mahamat posted on Twitter.
Also to be summoned was the resident Chinese ambassador to Nigeria to explain the conduct of the Chinese.
Several African diplomats to China have written to the country’s foreign minister over what they call discrimination against Africans .
In a note the African Ambassadors said,
“The Group of African Ambassadors in Beijing immediately demands the cessation of forceful testing, quarantine and other inhuman treatments meted out to Africans.”
