As the Russian invasion in Ukraine intensifies, Ukrainians are fleeing the country to neighbouring countries. Stuck in this nightmarish situation are thousands of foreign nationals particularly students of African and Indian nationality who are trying to leave Ukraine following the invasion.
As thousands throng to Ukraine’s borders, overwhelming authorities in neighbouring countries, reports have emerged that Africans are being treated differently and sometimes prevented from leaving.
Several have shared videos and testimonies on social media, denouncing discrimination at train stations and border posts.
While empathetic Black people in America are donating money, advocating against the war, and praying for the people of Ukraine, Racist Ukrainians are blocking Africans from trains to escape the war torn nation.
White supremacy and anti-Blackness are global.#AfricansinUkraine pic.twitter.com/HuMcxlTLXd
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) February 27, 2022
The current Chair of the African Union and President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Macky Sall, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, are following closely the developments in Ukraine and are particularly disturbed by reports that African citizens on the Ukrainian side of the border are being refused the right to cross the border to safety.
The two Chairpersons recall that all people have the right to cross international borders during conflict, and as such, should enjoy the same rights to cross to safety from the conflict in Ukraine, notwithstanding their nationality or racial identity.
The Ukraine EVERYONE is covering up #AfricansinUkrainepic.twitter.com/7kKNUENmgJ
— oishiii (@Jiminsbraces) February 28, 2022
"We have to get ourselves to Poland, which is the other way across Ukraine… We're not given any form of transportation. All the forms of transportation available right now are prioritizing Ukrainian citizens." #AfricansinUkraine pic.twitter.com/QslOTZRbc7
— Abel Amene (@abel_amene) February 27, 2022
Reports that Africans are singled out for unacceptable dissimilar treatment would be shockingly racist and in breach international law. In this regard, The Chairpersons urge all countries to respect international law and show the same empathy and support to all people fleeing war notwithstanding their racial identity.
There are thousands of Africans stuck in Ukraine, or being blocked from leaving. Racism even during war, its crazy…#racism #RacistEU #AfricansinUkraine #UkraineRussiaWar pic.twitter.com/PK0DpXr3Kt
— Cebile Bangeni (@BangeniCebile) February 28, 2022
The Chairpersons commend the efforts by African Union Member State countries and their embassies in neighbouring countries to receive and orientate African citizens and their families trying to cross the border from Ukraine to safety.
#AfricansinUkraine a 17 year old first year medical student from Nigeria recounts her escape journey and discrimination at the border. pic.twitter.com/eiXlGmQpIW
— Foxy Black ? (@intrgalacticrep) March 1, 2022
And you people think Putin is mad when he speaks of neonazis. Why are Ukraine Police beating up college kids who are trying to leave Ukraine? How can you find time to be racist during a war. Completely disgusting. #AfricansinUkraine #racism https://t.co/IAxs5d6DKZ
— Kingtj (@Kingtjonline) February 28, 2022
