African countries warn citizens over anti-immigrant riots in the UK

August 8, 2024 2

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A number of African countries have issued travel alerts to their citizens over the anti-immigrant riots in the United Kingdom.

The riots described as the UK’s worst social unrest in years was sparked by the stabbing deaths of three young girls in Stockport, northwest England, last week.

This has triggered a wave of anti-immigrant disinformation about the killings, including false claims the attacker was an immigrant.

Some hotels housing asylum seekers in two cities at the weekend have been attacked by the rioters who clashed with police.

Caution from countries

A number of African countries have issued warnings in response.

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Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel alert warning its citizens planning to visit the UK that “demonstrations by far right and other extra-parliamentary groups in parts of the UK in recent weeks have been large and in some instances unruly” and that “there is an increased risk of violence and disorder.”

The alert advises Nigerian citizens to be “extra vigilant” and “self-aware at all times” and to avoid crowded areas, large gatherings and political processions and rallies.

Kenya’s principal secretary for foreign affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, took to social media platform X to warn “A deeply worrying situation in the UK. Kenyans are urged to exercise caution.”

Some Muslim-majority countries including Malaysia have reacted to the UK disorder, issuing “an urgent notice to Malaysians in the United Kingdom”.

The Malaysian Foreign Affairs Ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation in the UK and urged its citizens to “stay away from protest areas” and “remain vigilant.”

The Indonesian Embassy in London issued an appeal, urging its citizens in the UK to increase vigilance, especially if traveling or doing activities outside the home, and to “avoid large crowds and places that have the potential to become gathering places for masses or groups of demonstrators.”

Police brace to quell riots

British police braced for further anti-Muslim riots as far-right groups planned to target asylum centres and immigration law firms across the country, prompting anti-fascist protesters to organise counter demonstrations.

Specialist immigration law firms and migrant support centres have been shut and some family doctors providing services in areas affected by the protests plan to close early to protect their staff.

Messages also swirled on social media, with people with large online followings relaying police guidance and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups detailing areas to avoid.

A number of people have been arrested in connection with the violence in the UK.