U.S. Cuts South Africa’s HIV Funding: Should Xenophobic Violence Also Be Part of the Global Conversation?

The United States has announced it is ending funding for South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programs, citing policy disagreements with the South African government.While many are debating the political reasons behind the decision, there is another issue that Africans should not ignore.For years, we have witnessed heartbreaking xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Ethiopians, Somalis, Mozambicans and other African nationals have been assaulted, killed, or forced to flee while their businesses were looted and destroyed.At the same time, there are also ongoing debates about violence affecting South African farmers and rural communities. Whatever anyone’s political views may be, one principle should remain constant:No human life is worth less than another.Violence against White South Africans deserves condemnation. Violence against Black African migrants deserves condemnation. Violence against any innocent person deserves condemnation.If governments are expected to protect every citizen and resident equally, then justice cannot be selective. The world should speak out against all forms of violence, regardless of the race, nationality or background of the victims.Africa is strongest when Africans stand for one another—not when we allow hatred, tribalism, xenophobia or racism to divide us.Do you think South Africa has done enough to stop xenophobic attacks over the years? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments.