Africa urged to step up, prevent incidents like Lampedusa

(Vatican Radio) Many African governments, unable to provide peace, freedom and adequate opportunities for work, also share in the shame associated with last week’s tragic drowning deaths of more than 100 African migrants near Lampedusa, said Archbishop Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel of Addis Ababa.

The Ethiopian archbishop acknowledged the need for European governments to improve their immigration policies and refugee appeal processes in order to safeguard human rights. However, he added, African governments must improve the situation of their citizens, so that people do not feel the need to risk their lives in order to escape desperate conditions.

He also urged Africa’s youth to have the courage to remain on the continent and to work together to improve the African reality from within. Archbishop Souraphiel was interviewed by Vatican Radio’s Fr. Moses Hamungale.
Listen to the full interview: