Statement from the African Union on the reported ill treatment of Africans trying to leave Ukraine

The African Union released the following statement on the reported ill treatment of Africans trying to leave Ukraine during a time of war:

The current Chair of the African Union and President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Macky Sall, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, are following closely the developments in Ukraine and are particularly disturbed by reports that African citizens on the Ukrainian side of the border are being refused the right to cross the border to safety.

The two Chairpersons recall that all people have the right to cross international borders during conflict, and as such, should enjoy the same rights to cross to safety from the conflict in Ukraine, notwithstanding their nationality or racial identity.

Reports that Africans are singled out for unacceptable dissimilar treatment would be shockingly racist and in breach international law. In this regard, The Chairpersons urge all countries to respect international law and show the same empathy and support to all people fleeing war notwithstanding their racial identity.

The Chairpersons commend the efforts by African Union Member State countries and their embassies in neighbouring countries to receive and orientate African citizens and their families trying to cross the border from Ukraine to safety.

NAACP Releases Statement on the Treatment of Africans During Russia's Attack on Ukraine

The NAACP released the following statement on the treatment of Africans trying to leave Ukraine during the Russian attack:

The NAACP is disheartened with the events surrounding the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. In these crisis moments choosing citizenship over humanity is an atrocity.

Right now in Ukraine, Black families, immigrants from the African diaspora and other people of color – mothers, children, and students are not only facing challenges to evacuate a deadly warzone but are being pushed from trains and beaten by police officers.

These callous acts are atrocious and reprehensible. As the world comes to the aid of the Ukraine and nations support the resettlement of people fleeing the nation, every individual must be treated with dignity and humanity. We call upon the Biden Administration and the United Nations to take every necessary action to protect the rights and to ensure the safe passage of all persons fleeing this blatant attack on a Nation's sovereignty. The NAACP will do everything in its power to fight racist, cruel acts such as these – no matter where they are happening.

#BringBackOurGirls: 219 still missing after two years in Nigeria

It’s been two years since the world was shaken by the mass-kidnapping of nearly 300 Nigerian schoolgirls by the terror group Boko Haram, taking them in as prisoners, sex slaves, and child soldiers and spawning the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls. But intervention from US drones and assistance from neighboring countries in support of the Nigerian military says that only 57 have been saved. Learn more on this story below.

iReporter keeps focus on #BringBackOurGirls

It's been one year since Boko Haram kidnapped 200 Nigerian school girls which led to the creation of the #BringBackOurGirls hashtag. Unfortunately the girls are still missing. CNN iReporter Charles Alasholuyi has taken a picture of himself holding a sign with the hashtag bring back our girls nearly everyday since the kidnappings to keep the girl's story alive. Watch his story below.

Nigerian defense chief says abducted girls located

Nigeria's military has located nearly 300 school girls abducted by Islamic extremists but fears using force to try to free them could get them killed, the country's chief of defense said Monday.

Air Marshal Alex Badeh told demonstrators supporting the much criticized military that Nigerian troops can save the girls. But he added, "we can't go and kill our girls in the name of trying to get them back."

He spoke to thousands of demonstrators who marched to Defense Ministry headquarters in Abuja, the capital. Many were brought in on buses, indicating it was an organized event.

Mp>Asked by reporters where they had found the girls, Badeh refused to elaborate.

Read more: Nigerian defense chief says abducted girls located

80 U.S. troops in Chad will aid search for abducted Nigerian girls

[SOURCE] The United States deployed 80 members of its armed forces to Chad to help in the search for the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls, the White House said Wednesday.

"These personnel will support the operation of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft for missions over northern Nigeria and the surrounding area," it said in a letter.

"The force will remain in Chad until its support in resolving the kidnapping situation is no longer required." President Barack Obama informed the House speaker and the president of the Senate of the move.

The forces will be involved in maintaining aircraft and analyzing data, but because they are armed, the President is required by law to inform the speaker of the House, Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said.

Associated Press was wrong to use escaped Nigerian girl's name in story

I understand that the story of the 200 plus missing Nigerian girls is a major world wide news story. I understand that everyone is trying to come at it from as many angles as possible and that reporters want to interview the girls. I understand all that. But can anyone explain to me why an Associated Press story written by Haruna Umar and Michelle Faul used one of the escaped girls names?

Can someone explain to me why you would endanger a young girls life for a news story. Now that her name is out there what's to stop Boko Haram from coming to her village and retaking or killing her? Certainly not the Nigerian Army or local police. They have already shown themselves to be both incapable and unwilling to fight Boko Haram. The men of her village can't defend her against machine guns and RPGs of Boko Haram with machetes.

I not only blame the reporters but also the editors who in my opinion should have removed the girls name. Even if the girl had given her permission or asked that her name be used her name should not have been used. She's only 19! Boko Haram has shown that they will do whatever they want whenever they want and it seems that no one in Nigeria can do a thing to stop them. I pray nothing happens to this girl but the AP article just put a target on her back.

I know legally the AP has done nothing wrong but what about morally?

What do you think?

George Cook PoliticsandPolitricks.com

Holder Offers FBI Assistance In Search For Kidnapped Nigerian Girls

Attorney General Eric Holder has reportedly offered to send agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in an effort to assist the Nigerian government after a terrorist group kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls nearly 3 weeks ago, according to The Huffington Post.

The reports of a step-up in assistance comes after Holder announced that the United States would assist in intelligence gathering as the search for the girls continued.

Nigerians demand government do more to bring home kidnapped girls

Nigerians took to the streets Thursday to demand the government do more to rescue about 230 girls abducted by the militant group Boko Haram more than two weeks ago. Watch video on this story below: