The Government of Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to intervene regarding the xenophobic attacks targeting foreign African migrants within South Africa.
- The Ghanaian government has petitioned the African Union to intervene against xenophobic attacks on African migrants in South Africa.
- Ghana expressed particular concern for attacks on its citizens and urged AU action to uphold African solidarity and unity.
- The letter called for adding the issue to the June AU meeting’s agenda and establishing a fact-finding mission on xenophobia in South Africa.
- Recent weeks have seen increased anti-immigrant sentiment and violence in South Africa, leading Ghana to warn of possible retaliation if measures are not taken.
Within the letter are the concerns of the Ghanaian government over repeated attacks on Africans in South Africa, particularly Ghanaians.
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Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Ablakwa, detailed his country’s sentiments on the matter, noting that the persistent assaults on fellow Africans in South Africa erode the core tenets of ‘African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity’ as established by the member nations of the African Union.
“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” the letter reads.
“This development is especially concerning when viewed in the light of the longstanding solidarity demonstrated by African states in support of the struggle against apartheid and South Africa’s subsequent democratic transformation,” it adds.
In the letter, the West African country called for proactive African Union measures, specifically urging the inclusion of the matter on the official agenda for the June meeting.
Furthermore, Ghana proposed establishing a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobia in South Africa and enhancing oversight of member states’ AU treaty obligations.
The letter also pointed out that Africa’s future rests on its people’s shared dignity, prosperity, and respect for one another, as seen on PeoplesGazette.
It urged initiatives aimed at fostering tolerance, inclusion, and a renewed commitment to keeping the peace on the continent.
In recent weeks, there has been a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, with some groups blaming foreign nationals for snatching jobs and putting pressure on public services.
Tensions have escalated into protests, threats against migrant-owned companies, and sporadic attacks across the country.
This situation drew significant attention to Ghana following reports of a video featuring one of its citizens being instructed to return to his home country.
Shortly after, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, summoned South African representatives, warning that continued inaction could embolden vigilante groups and risk retaliatory measures against South African businesses in Accra.
