Africans laud ‘safe’ city, but remain wary

Africans in Mumbai call locals cordial and peaceful, deny mistreatment or racial slurs; but they complain about stares

Citizens from African countries are wary after recent attacks on members of the community at Greater Noida, 40km from Delhi.

Although most of the Africans HT spoke to in Mumbai said they felt safe in the city, but were cautious.

Besides a few forgetful aberrations in the form of stares, they appreciated Mumbaiites for being cordial and peaceful and denied mistreatment and racial slurs here.

“Mumbai is not known for its violence. It is the reason I keep coming here every time I come to the country for work or tour. But now, it is better to be wary than sorry,” said Lualua Olongo.

“I am aware that Indians are well-behaved but it is always better to keep conversations to the point,” he said. Olongo, 29, is a Kenyan who stays in Colaba whenever he travels to India on business.

Henry Mbaye, from Ivory Coast, who works for a company that trades in plumbing equipment, has been staying in Parel for four years. He said he has seldom had any bad experiences.

“I heard about the Noida episode. I am definitely afraid, but I know I am safe here (Mumbai). I know people won’t resort to violence in this city,” said Mbaye.

The attacks on Africans in Greater Noida were precipitated by the death of a Class 12 student after a cardiac arrest, caused allegedly due to drug overdose on March 25. The next day, a mob attacked two Nigerians living in the area alleging that they peddled the drugs to the boy.

In a Facebook post, the Association of African Students in India told its members to stay indoors and not attend lectures for fear of possible attacks.

The message reads, “… With regard to food, and other daily home needs that may prompt anyone to go out, we are working towards creating a system to ensure that supplies gets across to you all. Please maintain and keep the peace, and discourage any form of retaliation.”

Robin Oluchi, 27, has been in Mumbai for five days on a tour and claimed he did not come across any misbehaviour. “My friend keeps coming to India every year and he stays in Mumbai. Except a few strange gawks, people don’t disturb us. I don’t know about any other place but people are pretty welcoming here. They let you be,” he said. Oluchi stays in Churchgate and works in a plastic manufacturing company.

Sani Ahmed, a Nigerian who has lived in Khargar for more than five years along with his friends, applauded Mumbaiites.

“I have met good and bad people in my life. This has been the way for most of my life. Some times, people do look at me like I have done something wrong Although I have never faced bad experiences, I have met more good people than bad ones,” said Ahmed. The 27-year-old is pur suing his MBA from a Mumba college.