‘We are all Africans’ - Burundians fear Ruto crackdown could fuel xenophobia

“We are all Africans", that is the message from residents in Burundi as concern grows over Kenyan President William Ruto’s crackdown on foreign traders.

Residents and civil society groups have warned that targeting foreigners involved in hawking and small-scale retail could fuel xenophobia and put Africans working outside their home countries at risk.

In Bujumbura, Burundian-Congolese resident Amba Bulabula compared the situation to developments in South Africa.

"If we look closely, even South Africa started out this way. And in my view, Kenya risks following the same path as South Africa," said Bulabula.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Strait stays shut - Iran's Araghchi says no US talks without 'reparations'

"Africa must teach other countries, particularly European countries, to abandon this mindset of treating a foreigner as if they were not a human being. We are all Africans. We must love one another and help one another," he added.

For Congolese resident Brune Zawadi, being forced to leave a country could mean abandoning years of work and rebuilding life from the beginning.

"Even if I were to return to my own country, I'd be forced to start from scratch, because I'd have lost everything I'd built up here," she explained.

Burundian civil society group ALUCHOTO also criticised Ruto’s remarks, warning that they could encourage hostility towards migrant workers.

"[We] strongly condemns this form of incitement to hatred, criminality, torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, killings, crimes against humanity and xenophobia against migrant workers operating on Kenyan territory," stressed ALUCHOTO national coordinator Vianney Ndayisaba.

Questions have also been raised about the crackdown in relation to regional integration under the East African Community.

"There is a signed agreement between the member states of the East African Community. We believed that a citizen had the right to work anywhere, since we are part of this community of countries that have come together. We are not happy about that," added Burundian Onesphore Nkeshimana.

Ruto called for action against foreigners involved in hawking and small-scale retail, saying those businesses should be reserved for Kenyans. Kenyan authorities later clarified that foreigners with valid work permits and licences remain legally protected.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Ilya Espino becomes first woman to lead Panama Canal

The concerns follow a gathering of hundreds of Burundians outside their embassy in Nairobi seeking to return home. Some alleged they had faced threats and attacks following Ruto’s remarks.

Burundi has urged Kenya to protect the safety and dignity of its nationals. It also said free travel documents and buses would be provided to Burundians who want to return home.