"In the humanitarian corridors first Ukrainians pass, then their animals, and only as a last resort do black people and people of other nationalities pass"
The Russian-Ukrainian war has uncovered what was thought to be already non-existent or unenforceable. From political issues, which should never apply in other areas such as sports [the sanctions against Roman Abramovich, owner of England's Chelsea FC], to racial ones, which are hard to believe. However, facts are facts, period.
During the humanitarian corridors for the withdrawal of Ukrainian citizens and other nationalities living in Ukraine to nearby countries such as Poland following the Russian military invasion, there were several reports or news reports of racial behavior favoring white natives over blacks and citizens of other races and nationalities.
Simplistic were the headlines that said, for example, ".... are safe those seeking refuge." Of course, that brings encouragement to those who want to see their relatives and friends alive. But thinking in the context of war, death was already there, judging by the distinction that was made - it still occurs - to handpick who should leave the scene. By then the foreigners could have succumbed to everything. Only hope...!
Despite shying away from answering several questions, one of the four Mozambican students in Ukraine who arrived in Maputo this Wednesday revealed to Televisão de Moçambique (TVM) that in the humanitarian corridors first the Ukrainians pass, then their animals, such as dogs and cats, and only lastly do black African and other nationalities pass.
"First of all, there was segregation in the transportation issue. For example, they gave priority to Ukrainians and left all blacks, Africans, Arabs aside. It was sad. There were times when they explained to me that, for example, they let the Ukrainians in first, then they let their pets, their animals, in, and then they gave up the transportation for the Africans to get in and the other students," said Keila Amado, a Mozambican student who fled Ukraine.
"The situation was quite difficult, sad. We see quite a bit on TV and even that we experienced and that's where we really realize what it is that people go through," said Keila Chichava, who when asked if the humanitarian corridors were functional in Ukraine said, "I would not like to share this information." And who also did not want to report on the situation being or experienced in the humanitarian corridors was student Resiana Chaide, having only said, "yes, we saw [something], but I would not like to talk about the situation."
However, they were unanimous in stating that they had traveled long distances, without sufficient transportation and supplies, in order to find refuge in neighboring countries, where they would have been "very well received."
"[We walked] over 60 kilometers on foot. We had some supplies. But the watch was long and it's never enough. We were very well received in Poland," said Keila Chichava.
He told TVM that the repatriation process was aligned between the government and the students' parents.
"We were interested that they arrived here alive. That is the most important thing," said Armando Pedro Jr.
TVM said that the other ten Mozambican students in Ukraine - now in other countries such as France, Qatar and Poland - are safe. However, the number of Mozambican students in Ukraine seems inaccurate. Earlier this month, Ukraine's honorary consul in Maputo, Abilio Soeiro, said there were 18 students.
"As soon as the situation became dangerous, they all got out, some through Poland, some through Hungary, and they are safe and sound" he assured.