Mozambican citizens are accusing the Turkish embassy in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, of racist acts. A publication in the newspaper Evidências reveals that the acts are evident to those who apply for visas at the embassy. Mozambican citizens suffer verbal abuse and those with black skin are even called monkeys.

The newspaper points to a case of racism perpetrated by a citizen identified as Onur Tanay, the person in charge of issuing visas. He is said to be responsible for hand-picking who can and cannot get a visa to Turkey.

The Turkish ambassador to Mozambique says that no acts of racism take place at the embassy. But as the weekly reports, Hüseyin Avni Aksoy seems to have ignored complaints from users, as he has remained silent to reports of racism sent to his office.

"Unfortunately, we are being humiliated in our own land," said a source quoted by the newspaperafter waiting around 180 days to be refused a visa.

O Evidence notes that before the covid-19 pandemic, the results or decisions of visa applications were communicated or submitted within 15 days, but after the restrictions they were extended to six months. The changes have opened up space for racist practices.

The complaints of racism have already reached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in letters signed by the victims, but until now there have been no actions against the consular representation.

"Mr. Onur Tanay treats black people with contempt. He shouts and humiliates people. I was planning to travel to Turkey to continue my studies when I applied for my visa. During the interview I realized that he is a racist. Initially, I decided not to confront him because I really wanted the visa, but I got angry when he called me a monkey. I confronted him and we almost came to blows, but that didn't happen due to the prompt intervention of the security guards. Our government cannot stand idly by in the face of these situations. I wrote a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reporting what is happening at the Turkish Embassy in Mozambique, but to no avail, nothing has happened so far," said another citizen who wanted to continue his studies in that country.