Eric Naki

Eric Naki

President Thabo Mbeki is expected to answer serious questions today about the ongoing public violence in the country when he attends the first meeting of the Committee of Twelve African Union heads of state in Arusha, Tanzania.

Mbeki, supported by Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad, left for Tanzania yesterday.

The violence has claimed 22 lives to date and displaced more than 10000 people from various African states.

Leaders of the countries whose nationals have borne the brunt of the xenophobic attacks are expected to raise their concerns with the South African delegation.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa said Mbeki would attend the meeting within the context of ongoing discussions within the AU about the political and economic integration of Africa.

So the meeting is expected to consider a report from the Executive Council of Ministers after their deliberations in Arusha earlier in the month.

Mbeki returns tomorrow.