In a letter addressed to Kenyan President William Ruto, the Burundi League of Human Rights (ITEKA) calls on the authorities to exercise responsibility in their economic policies and public statements, to prevent stigmatization, discrimination or hostility towards foreign nationals living and working in Kenya.
ITEKA recognizes Kenya’s right to protect its national economic interests and regulate its market. However, such measures must respect fundamental rights and must not create a climate of insecurity, mistrust or hostility towards foreign communities.
The League also recalls that East Africa is historically a community of peoples connected by mobility, trade, cooperation and solidarity. It therefore calls on Kenya, EAC leaders and the African Union to protect regional integration and prioritize dialogue.
Protecting the national economy should not mean rejecting our neighbours. The security of one people cannot be sustainably built on the insecurity of another.