Since a racist gunman shot five Senegalese in Florence two days ago, killing two and leaving three wounded, different politicians have been condemning the barbaric act.
President of the Republic of Italy Giorgio Napolitano was amongst the very first to strongly condemn the attack and show solidarity with the Senegalese community.
High ranking politicians from all parties have repeatedly reacted to the incident, calling for serious debates on immigration and integration of immigrants.
Surprisingly, even an official of the Northern League, somehow condemned the killing before resuming their usual anti-immigration propaganda.
I’ve been keen on monitoring statements of politicians on this racist attack but I’ve so far failed to find any by Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Monti. If anyone has come across it, please let me know.
In case he hasn’t so far made a comment, I would consider that a terrible mistake. Of course his International Cooperation and Integration Minister Andrea Riccardi travelled to Florence and warned against preaching contempt for immigrants, but this doesn’t justify Mr. Monti’s silence on this national and international issue.
Since becoming prime minister, this is the first time a very serious issue has come up regarding immigrants and racism.
Mr. Monti would have dedicated a comment on it, even a press release written by his staff.
I understand he is very busy trying to convince both houses of the Parliament to approve his government’s far-reaching package of fiscal measures and economic reforms.
I’m sure he heard about the racist attack and probably discussed it with some of his ministers. He should have expressed his views or feelings about the issue.
As the head of government, his silence over such a tragic event is deeply worrying. He has lost a golden opportunity to state his stance as far as immigration and racism are concerned.
By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a
