Coronavirus: African Union Demands China Action on Abuse of Africans, Nigeria Berates Beijing
The coronavirus pandemic has been confirmed in over 180 countries globally since it was first discovered in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late December 2019.
The World Health Organisation, WHO, has since declared it a pandemic due to its spread. All except three African countries have recorded cases as governments roll out measures to combat the spread.
The latest developments as authorities implement measures to contain the spread of the virus, especially on the African continent. Major statistics as at April 11 are:
Confirmed cases = 12,966
Number of deaths = 695
Recoveries = 2,147
Infected countries = 52
Virus-free countries = 2 (Lesotho, Comoros)
On April 11, Africa protests Chinese mistreatment with Nigeria in the lead
Reports of mistreatment meted out to Africans in the Chinese city of Guangzhou has drawn the ire of a number of people on social media. Nigerian government summoned the Chinese ambassador to express their protest.
After the meeting between the Foreign Minister and the ambassador, the Speaker of the lower House of Parliament , Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, also piled more pressure when he chided the ambassador in a separate meeting on Thursday.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson insisted that relations between the country and Africa remained robust despite the latest round of friction.
Foreign Minister’s Spokesperson Zhao Lijian 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’,” the embassy tweeted .
On Saturday, the African Union Commission Chairperson also tweeted that his office had 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 with our excellent relations. The African group in Beijing is also engaging with the govt,” AUC chair Moussa Faki Mahamat posted on twitter .
