Sunyani: The Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), a human rights and media advocacy Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called on the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to engage diplomatically with South African authorities to protect African migrants in the country. 'South African citizens must be called to order, and justice must be served without fear or favour,' the foundation advised in a statement issued.
According to Ghana News Agency, the foundation encouraged African leaders to strengthen cross-border cooperation and promote inclusive economic policies that reduce tensions and misconceptions about migration. The statement, signed by Mr. Raphael Ahenu, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of GloMeF, condemned the ongoing attacks on fellow Africans in South Africa. It described the situation in South Africa as a betrayal of African unity and solidarity, highlighting recurring incidents of violence, intimidation, and destruction of businesses belonging to foreign nationals.
The foundation, which promotes human rights, media freedom and development, and social justice across Ghana and beyond Africa, noted that the situation in South Africa undermines the spirit of Pan-Africanism and threatens peaceful coexistence on the continent. The statement emphasized that 'those attacks are not only inhumane but also a direct contradiction to the values that bind us as Africans. In fact, no African should feel unsafe in another African country.'
The statement called on the South African government to be swift and decisive in protecting all residents, regardless of nationality. It urged South African authorities to intensify public education campaigns, enforce the rule of law, and hold perpetrators accountable. The foundation stressed that Africa, in general, must rise to the occasion and send a clear message that violence, xenophobia, and lawlessness will not be tolerated on the continent. It extended solidarity to the victims of the attacks and called for calm.
'As Africans, our strength lies in unity, not division and we must reject hatred and build bridges of cooperation that advances our shared future,' the statement added.