Freedom Jacob Caesar, an industrialist, is calling on China to apologise to Africa, particularly Ghana, over the barbaric treatment melted out to Africans in Guangzhou, China.
The treatment, reports indicate, was borne out of fear of Africans in China having the deadly Coronavirus, thereby infecting Chinese citizens.
But, Mr Freedom Caesar, who is leading a campaign to register the displeasure of Africans, Ghana especially, over the incident, said the Coronavirus could not be used as an excuse to subject human beings to such treatment.
On the evening of Sunday April 26, 2020, a silent procession took place at the Black Star Square, also known as Independence Square, in Accra, Ghana, as a sign of solidarity with the Africans who have been marginalised and abused in China during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The action was initiated by the Freedom Movement as a peaceful demonstration to raise awareness on the mistreatment of black people in China, and urged for a public apology to all Africans and Black people worldwide.
“As a concerned global citizen, I was deeply disturbed by the treatment I saw of black people in China being evicted from their homes, forced into quarantine, and even being denied admittance to restaurants, hotels and other businesses.
“I was also surprised that even despite the close relationship between China and most African countries, there hasn’t been any public denouncement or apology from the authorities.
“I felt the need to use my voice to let the world know that Covid-19 simply cannot be used as an excuse to dehumanise or deny the civil rights of black people in China or any other nation,” says Freedom Caesar.
During the procession, signs with captions such as “Africa is a Beacon of Hope” and “Africa is separated by culture but united by colours” were held up by participants, who maintained social distancing measures and wore face masks inscribed with the words ‘Freedom of Speech.”
Police and other security personnel were also on hand to ensure that the demonstration remained peaceful.
Freedom continued: “Although, African diplomats in China have expressed concerns to officials there, this mal-treatment is an issue for every black person in the world. Any one of us from the continent or the diaspora, whether it be Jamaica, America, France, or Nigeria, living in or travelling to China might suffer these same abuses. If we simply remain silent, this treatment and disrespect will continue, and even become more widespread in China and other countries. Black people are not animals as we have been depicted in museums and galleries in China, and these actions are unacceptable, considering the eminent value that Africa and our resources play in global economies and supply chains,” adds Freedom, who recently distributed food and other supplies to vulnerable communities and the less privileged in Accra, amidst the lockdown that was issued in an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.
“Ghana has gained a reputation as a model of democracy in Africa, and Freedom of Speech is a fundamental principle that is supported in our democracy. It is important for young Africans and young black people globally to understand the power of our collective voices to effect peaceful change. I will continue to use my voice and platform to change perceptions of Africa, build unity and forge deeper connections between Africa, the West and the East,” Freedom noted.
“I believe that this virus does not know gender, race, religion, age, or colour, and this could be a sign telling the world that we are all equal and need to come together as One World and One Universe people to overcome the crisis and restore humanity together.”
The Freedom Movement’s procession is one of the first public demonstrations on the continent, held to bring awareness on the issue of the treatment of blacks in China and urge for a public apology from the country’s authorities on behalf of African and Black people worldwide.
Freedom Jacob Caesar, a developer and a nation builder, operates an international real estate development company in Ghana and other countries, and has hosted personalities at his hospitality ventures, including Naomi Campbell, Idris Elba, Conan O’Brien, and Chinese billionaire entrepreneur Jack Ma.
The post China must apologise over to Africa over inhumane treatment appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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