African Nations Seeking U.N. Probe Into 'Racial Attacks' Show Lack Of Confidence On Indian Govt

India on Monday was put in a diplomatic spot by representatives of the African nations when they described the recent series of attacks on African students in Greater Noida as “xenophobic and racial.” They also sought intervention from the UN Human Rights Council and other “independent” human rights bodies to conduct investigations into the incidents of attacks so that a comprehensive report could be submitted to the Commission of the African Union.

The development has undoubtedly caused a serious embarrassment to India at a time when the Narendra Modi government’s attempt has been to deepen and strengthen Indo-African relations. But Africa, a continent with 54 countries often act and take position on crucial issues that are not necessarily a reflection of a consensus but the result of some countries’ initiative. The strong statement on attacks on African students could also be one such example. But as long as significant numbers of African countries do not come out with a public statement dissociating themselves from that critical view, it would give India’s detractors the much needed handle to embarrass the government with.

A statement issued by the office of the dean of the African group head of mission in India, said a “special meeting” of the representatives also concluded that no “known and visible deterring measures” were taken by the Indian government so far.

Late in the evening, the MEA came out with a statement clarifying its stand on the issue saying,”It is unfortunate that a criminal act triggered following the untimely death of a young Indian student under suspicious circumstances has been termed as xenophobic and racial. Investigations on the death of Indian teenager and the subsequent incident by local authorities are ongoing.”

What appeared to be more embarrassing for India was the silence that South Block maintained over the strong critical statement of the African nations for much of the day. Though representatives of the African countries came out with their statement in the afternoon, till late in the evening the Ministry of External Affairs was busy “ascertaining” the facts that led the dean of the African countries in Delhi to issue this strong condemnatory statement against India on the attacks on the African students.

In private, senior MEA officials tried to argue that many African countries had told the Indian government that they did not agree with the dean’s statement and it was issued without their knowledge. But not a single statement was issued by any African country that showed that they were not in agreement with the critical remarks that were put out by the dean of the African nations in Delhi.

The MEA statement issued at night pointed out that," The Government had condemned and described as unacceptable the incident of attack on a few Nigerian nationals in Greater Noida. The significance attached to addressing the matter is reflected in the detailed statement by the External Affairs Minister (EAM) and the discussion in the Parliament.

It further said," Following EAM's conversation immediately after the incident with the Chief Minister of the State of Uttar Pradesh, local authorities expeditiously arrested suspects. They registered an FIR and are investigating the matter comprehensively. Local authorities have also taken measures to strengthen safety and security of Nigerian nationals. Coordination meetings have been held by local police in Delhi as well as Greater Noida, with African nationals. Moreover, Ministry of External Affairs has further sensitised local authorities towards ensuring safety and security of Africans in general and African students in particular. It also added that the three Nigerian nationals treated in hospital for injuries have been discharged.

The statement dated March 31 was issued by the office of the dean of the African group head of missions after the “special” meeting to discuss the Greater Noida attacks on African students. But there was no clarity either on what made the missions to issue the statement after three days of their crucial meeting.

“The meeting unanimously agreed that those accumulated attacks against Africans are xenophobic and racial in nature,” the statement said. The fact that the they have sought UN Human Right Council and other independent human rights’ bodies to intervene and independently probe the attacks was a clear expression of lack of confidence and seriousness with which the Indian government and its agencies were treating the series of attacks.

But the MEA statement pointed out that, “It may be noted that a subsequent report of assault on a Kenyan national has been withdrawn and the Government has been informed by Kenyan High Commission that the concerned Kenyan national, whose tourist visa has expired, is returning to Kenya. Nevertheless, the Kenyan High Commission has expressed appreciation for prompt response by local police authorities on her complaint..”

It stressed that “the Government is committed to ensuring safety and security of all foreign nationals in India, including African nationals, who remain our valued partners. Strong Indian institutions are adequate to deal with aberrations that represent act of a few criminals.”