PAP……..Olivia Hanghuwo, one of Namibia’s designated Members of Parliament to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).
- Rafael Hangula
MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – Namibian representative to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Hon. Olivia Hanghuwo, has called for a united continental response to xenophobia and the root causes of migration, urging African leaders to embrace the values of Ubuntu, solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
Hon. Hanghuwo made the remarks on Thursday during her maiden contribution to the Seventh Pan-African Parliament while participating in a debate on two motions: one on the escalating Afrophobic attacks against African compatriots in the Republic of South Africa, moved by Lazare Yao Yao of Côte d’Ivoire, and another urging the Republic of South Africa to strengthen measures to prevent and eliminate xenophobic violence against African nationals residing within its territory, moved by Joseph Marimba of Kenya.
She commended South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for the assurance he gave the Pan-African Parliament earlier this week that his government had taken a firm stance against any form of intimidation or violence directed at foreign nationals.
“Such leadership sends a clear message that violence and hatred have no place in our societies,” she said.
The National Council MP stressed that migration is not the responsibility of one country alone but “a continental issue that requires a continental response.”
According to Hon. Hanghuwo, African states share a collective responsibility to address the root causes of irregular migration including conflict, unemployment, poverty, inequality and limited economic opportunities while advancing regional integration and inclusive development.
While recognising South Africa’s constitutional commitment to human rights, equality and human dignity, Hanghuwo noted that recurring incidents of xenophobic violence remain a matter of concern for the continent.
“Every African, wherever they reside, deserves to live in safety, dignity and peace,” she told the parliament.
The Namibian parliamentarian further called on members of the Pan-African Parliament to strengthen efforts towards building an Africa that is united, peaceful and prosperous through dialogue, cooperation and diplomacy rather than violence.
Acknowledging that unmanaged migration can place pressure on the sovereignty, security and unity of nations, Hanghuwo maintained that violence against fellow Africans could never be justified.
“Violence against fellow Africans can never be the answer. Our response must be guided by the rule of law, sound migration governance, economic cooperation and our shared values of solidarity and mutual respect,” she said.
She appealed to Africans to embrace the ideals of Ubuntu and Pan-Africanism.
“Let us commit to an Africa where unity prevails over division, differences are resolved peacefully and every African is afforded dignity, respect and equal protection under the law. Let us choose Ubuntu over division, solidarity over suspicion, and Pan-Africanism over prejudice,” she said.
Following the debate, the Pan-African Parliament strongly condemned all forms of xenophobic and Afrophobic violence, hate speech, incitement, intimidation, looting, destruction of property and discrimination directed against nationals of other African Union Member States residing in South Africa.
The Parliament further urged the government of South Africa to ensure that all perpetrators of xenophobic and Afrophobic violence and related criminal acts are investigated, prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law, without fear or favour.
Among other resolutions, the Parliament called for strengthened measures to prevent xenophobic violence, protect the rights and safety of African nationals residing in South Africa, and promote continental solidarity, peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.
The Namibian delegation, led by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Phillipus Katamelo, comprised Hon. Olivia Hanghuwo, Hon. Rodney Cloete, Alpheus !Naruseb and Hon. Tjimutambo Kuuoko, who participated in engagements on matters of continental importance during the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Pan-African Parliament.
