A group of Ireland’s black leaders has urged the Government to take action to end racism in Ireland.
Speaking at an extraordinary press conference in Dublin last Friday 25 November, they said that immigrants in Ireland, and especially members of the black community, are “under siege”.
In particular they highlighted the cases of a black woman in Cork who was attacked last September on her way to pick her children from school, as well as the killing last week of taxi driver Moses Ayanwole.
They also mentioned the gang rape of a 16-year-old black girl in Athlone on 15 November; the case of a black security guard left for dead in Coolock after an attack last September; and the racist remarks by Cllr Darren Scully which forced him to resign as Mayor of Naas.
“Wrong perceptions have been created where Africans are concerned and there is the need for the Government to show more commitment in tackling racist attacks,” said Eric Yao, CEO of Africa Centre, at the press conference.
Several other speakers including AkiDwA CEO Salome Mbugua, Katrina Goldstone of Create, and Clement Esebamen highlighted the importance of combating racism and discrimination in Ireland.
Patrick Maphoso, who was successful in prosecution over racial abuse levelled against him during his local election campaign, also highlighted the consequences of inaction in fighting racism.
During the conference, the Nigerian Embassy’s deputy head of mission Georges Alabi noted how himself and his wife have been racially abused. He said Irish people had telephoned his house and called his wife and himself “niggers. ”
Alabi said the Government must provide leadership to end racism wherever it manifests.
Nidoe Ireland, an umbrella group representing Nigerians in Ireland, has also spoken about the issues raised at the press conference. In a statement, the group said combating racism and discrimination would help integrate immigrants.
