No country for Africans: Many consider returning to their native land

Ken Obassa and his fellow Kenyan friends used to religiously watch Bollywood movies in their native village in Mombasa city. The contorting bodies dancing to choreographed moves would leave him spellbound, reminding him of his native country's love for dance.

That was when Ken realised that he had an intimate connection with India and decided to pursue his higher studies, leaving behind prestigious institutes in USA and China.

The reality, however, was far removed from the song and dance routine, as he had to endure racial slurs and provocations on a daily basis.

The racially-motivated attack in Greater Noida against members of the African community finally brought the curtains down on Ken's Indian experience and he decided to return to Kenya.

Millennium Post found that many Africans living in Delhi have expressed the same sentiment. Many have decided never to return to India, while there are some who will wait and watch as the events unfold.

Ken sits at Uttam Nagar West Metro station, waiting for his metro, as he anxiously looks at fellow commuters with his guard up, lest someone makes a racial slur against him.

"I used to be relaxed when I came to India four years ago. There were a few unfortunate incidents, which I laughed off. But then it started to overwhelm me and then this Noida attack happened and, frankly speaking, I have been turned off by the entire incident. I and six of my friends have decided to return to our country. This is not a place for us," said Ken.

Ken had been pursuing a postgraduate course in Delhi University, after he chose India over Chinese and American universities. "For us, India is a preferred destination because of the cheap education and the medium of instruction is in English. Ken and I had other choices like China, but we are regretting our move now," said Osuke, Ken's friend.

African immigrants in Delhi are a part of the third wave of immigrants, who chose India because of their shared colonial heritage and the ancient links between the new countries.

Now, however, after the mob attack in which a dozen African nationals were attacked, India is being shown in a negative light in various African countries.

The Chinese have now become a visible presence across Africa, and many told this paper that they relate more with the Chinese than with Indians.

"Racism is in every country, but this violence taking place in the streets will not be tolerated. In Sudan, there is a huge Chinese presence. Their language is tough to understand but I would not be surprised if the future generations start picking up Chinese," claimed Olivia, a Sudanese national.

There are some who still choose to remain in the country. Some have to remain out of compulsion, like Grace who has to undergo a bypass surgery, or John Ikaku, who is waiting for the events to unfold.

"Indian's are not that bad, some have to be educated. I am just waiting for the situation to calm down before taking my decision," said John.