Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has condemned the terror attacks in France, where more than 130 people died, and at the same time he has warned against labelling all refugees as “terrorists”.
Speaking at the Working Dinner of G20 Leaders on the topic Global Challenges: Terrorism and Refugee Crisis Antalya, in Turkey on Sunday, Zuma expressed “strong condemnation of the senseless terror attacks in Paris on Friday”.
The president also condemned the recent bombings in Ankara, Turkey.
He also extended condolences to Russia on the tragic loss of life during the plane crash in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.
“Our hearts also go out to the people of Lebanon following the twin suicide bombs that claimed lives and injured many in Beirut,” said Zuma.
However, he also warned against a backlash against refugees who have fled wars in their own countries and sought refuge in European countries.
“At the outset, I wish to caution that we must not conflate the discussion on terrorism with the refugee crisis, especially given the very real complexities underlying their respective root causes,” said Zuma.
“We should be careful to ensure that the messages we convey to the world are not misunderstood. Put frankly, not every refugee is a terrorist. We must avoid this type of labelling or inter-linkages due to the negative and undesirable consequences that could result”.
Zuma warned that terrorism and violent extremism continue to result in the killing and maiming of innocent people; damage property and infrastructure, foster fear in local communities, undermine social and economic confidence and, in many cases, entrench the forces of poverty.
“We must recognise that as long as there is conflict in the world, refugees will be a reality to contend with,” said the president.
“Given the attacks in Europe and several other acts of terror in Africa and the Middle East, collective global action against all forms of terrorism under the auspices of the United Nations is imperative. Addressing the root causes of terrorism is also critical”.
Zuma said the “painful human tragedy” which has led to the refugee crisis into Europe has highlighted the need to find lasting solutions.
“Africa also has enormous flows of refugees and migrants due to instability and underdevelopment in a number of regions,” said Zuma.
“We speak from experience as South Africa because our country is a host to millions of migrants and refugees seeking security or a better life”.
The president said the most prevalent cause of the current trend of terrorism and the breeding ground for violent extremism is primarily the result of unabated war and conflict in a region where, for a very long time, there has been a preference for military action instead of political solutions.
Zuma said other factors, including socio-economic ones, interference by outside parties and the pursuance of the regime change doctrine has also played a significant role in perpetuating the ongoing cycle of conflict and instability.
He said the lack of progress on political dialogue and the absence of a sustainable long-term solution have created the space for terrorist groups such as IS, al-Qaeda and the others associated with them to exploit divisions for the furtherance of their distorted beliefs.
African News Agency