Africa should set an example on how to host refugees following the closure of American borders, African Union commissioner for peace and security Smail Chergui has said.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the last day of the AU heads of state summit on Tuesday, Chergui said the AU hadn’t considered the details of the announcement, but “one of the biggest achievements of humanity is to receive those who are in need.
“I think the African continent is giving the best example to see many of our countries open their doors for refugees and displaced persons,” he said, singling out Kenya as one of the biggest host countries.
“I think this has been a tradition in the continent and I’m proud of it, and I hope that whatever decision is taken (in the United States) will take into account the common responsibility we have towards these people,” he said.
He said people would not put their lives in danger for nothing, but Africa should also deal with the issues that force people to flee.
“Let’s deal with the root causes of this and also step up to our responsibility as human beings,” he said.
Outgoing AU Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Monday said Africa faced “turbulent times” in the light of the refugee ban.
Chergui said at the briefing that the AU, regional forces and the United Nations have made strides in fighting terrorism on the continent, notably Boko Haram in Nigeria and al-Shabaab in Somalia.
