Ugandan musician and political figure, Bobi Wine, has partnered with businessman Neil Nelson to airlift Africans and African-Americans subjected to “inhumane treatment” in parts of China.
This is coming after distressing reports of African residents in the Southern Chinese city of Guangzhou were being evicted from their homes, denied services at local businesses, and blamed for igniting a second wave of coronavirus in the country. Nicknamed “Little Africa,” the city has the highest population of Africans in China, many of whom are from Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Kenya.
A joint statement released by the duo said: “The two leaders are currently working together to facilitate a humanitarian mission to airlift those Africans and African-Americans who are affected by these attacks to a country in Africa that is willing to receive them. We are also prepared to evacuate them to the United States for those holding U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.”
The statement also appealed to the Chinese government and other global African leaders to take urgent action to protect Africans abroad.
“We call upon leaders from across the global African community including political leaders, social activists, artists and other leaders to join in this effort,” it added.
Last year, Wine, an opposition politician, announced plans to challenge President Yoweri Museveni’s over three decades rule and run for presidency in 2021.
He released a song with fellow musician and compatriot, Nubian Li to raise awareness about the Coronavirus.