The Government of Ghana has formally requested the African Union (AU) to address the recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa as a matter of “urgent continental interest”.
The request which was contained in a petition to the Chairman of the AU Commission by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) demanded that the agenda be included in the topic on the agenda for the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Egypt.
The petition highlights deep concerns over violent incidents that have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of investments, and serious risks to the safety of African nationals residing in South Africa.
Ablakwa described the persistent manifestations of xenophobia as “particularly troubling,” especially given the historical solidarity African states showed South Africa during its struggle against apartheid.
“The Government of Ghana remains deeply concerned by the recurrence of xenophobic incidents in the Republic of South Africa, which have regrettably resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of investment and continue to pose serious risk to the safety and wellbeing of many African nationals residing in South Africa.
It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years. 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,” the statement read in part.
The Ghanaian government argued that these attacks represent a multi-dimensional crisis for the continent which constitute a clear violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which South Africa is a signatory.
Ablakwa also argued that the violence erodes the spirit of Pan-Africanism and the vision of a united, peaceful continent.
Ghana has therefore called on the AU Commission to consider four specific measures during the deliberations scheduled for June 24–27, 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
