Ghana Urges AU to Address Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa
Ghana has asked the African Union to address recurring xenophobic attacks on African migrants in South Africa at its upcoming continental meeting.
- Ghana petitioned the AU over xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
- The issue will be raised at the AU meeting in Egypt in June 2026.
- Ghana called for investigations, dialogue, and stronger protections for African migrants.
The Government of Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to place the issue of xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for June 24 to 27, 2026, in El Alamein.
In a diplomatic letter addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ghana described the attacks as a matter of urgent continental concern that requires a united African response.
The communication, signed by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed concern over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, which the government said has resulted in deaths, destruction of businesses and investments, and threats to the safety of African migrants.
According to the statement, the continued attacks against fellow Africans are troubling, particularly given the support many African countries offered South Africa during its anti-apartheid struggle and transition to democracy.
While recognising South Africa’s sovereignty and its responsibility to protect everyone within its borders, Ghana stressed that attacks targeting African nationals contradict the principles of African solidarity, unity, and brotherhood upheld by member states of the African Union.
The government further stated that the violence violates the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, weakens the spirit of Pan-Africanism, and undermines the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes free movement and economic integration across the continent.
Ghana therefore called on the African Union to strengthen its monitoring systems, launch a fact-finding mission into the causes of the attacks, and support dialogue and reconciliation efforts aimed at promoting tolerance and inclusion.
The statement also emphasised the importance of African unity in addressing the issue, stressing that the continent’s future depends on shared dignity, mutual respect, and collective prosperity.
Quoting Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana stated that Africa’s full liberation and development can only be achieved through unity, adding that no African should be dehumanised on African soil.
