African delegates participating in training programmes in China have condemned xenophobic attacks against foreign African nationals in South Africa, calling for stronger continental unity and collective action against discrimination and violence.

The delegates made the appeal while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on the sidelines of seminars organised by the Academy for International Business Officials under China’s Ministry of Commerce.

They described reports of black-on-black violence as disturbing and inconsistent with the principles of Pan-Africanism, solidarity and peaceful coexistence that have long guided relations among African nations.

Speaking on the issue, Yusupha Bojang of The Gambia’s National Council for Civic Education said Africans must view themselves as one people regardless of colonial-era borders.

“We first have to recognise that in Africa we are all one. These boundaries are artificial creations. We should treat each other as brothers and sisters,” he said.

Bojang argued that frustrations arising from domestic challenges should be directed toward governments rather than innocent citizens lawfully residing in other countries.

“If you have any problem, it should be channelled to your government, not innocent citizens legitimately carrying out their activities,” he added.

He urged Africans across the continent to collectively condemn xenophobia and other forms of discrimination.

“We need to unite. When we see wrongs happening, we should all come out to condemn them because it can happen to anybody,” he said.

Also speaking, Jallow Gibbi, a journalist with Dunia Radio in The Gambia, expressed concern over reports of Africans attacking fellow Africans, describing the situation as unfortunate and contrary to humanitarian values.

“When I watched the news, I was embarrassed to see Africans fighting Africans. It is not humanitarian and it should not happen,” he said.

Gibbi called on African leaders and international organisations to intensify efforts aimed at promoting peace, tolerance and unity throughout the continent.

“We are all the same. One Africa, one people. We should unite and stay together,” he added.

He noted that information available through Gambian diplomatic channels indicated that no Gambian citizen had been reported among those affected, while advising nationals living abroad to remain vigilant.

Richard Jombi James of South Sudan’s Ministry of Culture, Museum and National Heritage stressed that African unity remains essential for the continent’s growth and development.

“We are all Africans from the north to the south, east and west. We cannot attack ourselves. We are one Africa, one people,” he said.

Kawu Muhammed Lawan of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy described the reported attacks as particularly troubling in light of the support many African countries provided during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.

“Looking at all the efforts other African countries made to end apartheid in South Africa, it is embarrassing to witness hostility against fellow Africans today,” he said.

Lawan urged African governments to take concrete measures to protect citizens across borders while deepening regional integration and cooperation.

Similarly, Emmanuel Nok, a legal practitioner with South Sudan’s Ministry of Culture, Museum and National Heritage, said violence and discrimination among Africans undermine the spirit of brotherhood and shared identity.

“We feel hurt as Africans when we see fellow Africans being hunted by other Africans. We should condemn such behaviour because it goes against the spirit of African brotherhood,” he said.

Nok noted that many African countries continue to host citizens from neighbouring nations and stressed that peaceful coexistence is critical for economic growth, regional cooperation and sustainable development.

The delegates collectively called on governments, regional organisations and civil society groups to promote tolerance, strengthen social cohesion and uphold the ideals of African unity.

They also urged Africans to focus on shared development objectives, arguing that greater cooperation and mutual respect would foster peace, prosperity and deeper integration across the continent.