Ukraine war: Bitter pill Africa must swallow

Ukrainian tanks move into the city, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine, in Mariupol, February 24, 2022. [Reuters]

A white American professor was recently sacked for confusing the names of two black students. Even after penning a nine-page apology for what he called an innocent mistake, Christopher Trogan found himself out of his high-flying job at New York’s Fordham University. 

Prof Trogan’s case was widely reported. It became an instant stark reminder of how race relations have remained delicate across the world. This week, there were grumbles after Africans were ill-treated in Ukraine after it became clear their safety wasn’t guaranteed. Some were denied food, held at points of exit and blocked from boarding trains as their native European colleagues enjoyed the privileged treatment.