Accra: The recent repatriation of approximately 300 Ghanaians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals has once again brought to the forefront a troubling and painful reality confronting the African continent.
According to Ghana Web, these attacks have targeted African migrants from countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Malawi, and others, exposing deep social, economic, and political tensions within post-apartheid South Africa.
Beyond the immediate violence, destruction of property, intimidation, and loss of livelihoods, xenophobia in South Africa represents a tragic contradiction of the very history upon which modern South Africa was built. It raises serious moral questions about memory, gratitude, Pan-Africanism, and the future of African unity.
To fully appreciate the gravity of xenophobic violence in South Africa, one must revisit the country's painful history under apartheid. Apartheid, officially introduced in 1948 by the white minority National Party government, was a brutal system of racial segregation and oppression designed to deny Black South Africans political rights, economic opportunities, dignity, and freedom in their own land.
Under apartheid, Black South Africans were forcibly removed from their lands, denied quality education, subjected to pass laws, tortured, imprisoned, and systematically marginalized. The apartheid regime became one of the most condemned political systems in modern history. South African liberation movements such as the African National Congress (ANC), the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), and trade unions fought tirelessly against racial injustice. Leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Steve Biko, Chris Hani, and many others became symbols of resistance against oppression.
However, the struggle against apartheid was not fought by South Africans alone. Many African countries stood firmly with South Africa during its darkest years. Across the continent, governments, liberation movements, students, workers, and ordinary citizens contributed financially, politically, diplomatically, and morally to the anti-apartheid struggle. Ghana, under the leadership of Ghana's first President, Kwame Nkrumah, was among the earliest and strongest supporters of African liberation movements.
Nkrumah passionately believed that 'the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa.' His Pan-African vision inspired solidarity across the continent. My studies in history continually remind me how the African continent, as a whole, contributed significantly toward the liberation of South Africa. The sacrifices made by African nations and leaders must never be forgotten, and for that reason, every African today must be concerned about the recurring xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans in South Africa.
Ghana provided diplomatic support, scholarships, and safe spaces for African freedom fighters. Nkrumah consistently condemned apartheid at international forums and advocated sanctions against the racist South African regime. Other African leaders also played monumental roles. Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, Ahmed S©kou Tour© of Guinea, Samora Machel of Mozambique, and many others contributed immensely to the anti-apartheid struggle.
Several African countries hosted South African exiles and liberation fighters. Nations such as Zambia, Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique, and Botswana became operational bases for the ANC and other movements despite military threats and attacks from the apartheid regime.
It is therefore deeply painful and ironic that decades after the fall of apartheid, some South Africans now target fellow Africans with hatred and violence. Since the early 1990s, South Africa has witnessed repeated outbreaks of xenophobic attacks. Major waves of violence occurred in 2008, 2015, 2019, and in several isolated incidents thereafter. Foreign nationals have been beaten, killed, displaced, robbed, and accused of 'taking jobs,' 'committing crimes,' or 'controlling businesses.'
Shops owned by foreign Africans have been looted and burned. Many migrants continue to live in constant fear and uncertainty. These attacks have damaged South Africa's international image and weakened the ideals of Pan-African solidarity that once united the continent against colonialism and apartheid.
To our brothers and sisters in South Africa, we ask: Have you forgotten the sacrifices Africa made for your freedom? Have you forgotten the support your country received from fellow African nations during apartheid? How can Africans who once suffered oppression now turn against fellow Africans seeking survival and opportunities?
Xenophobia is not only an attack on foreign nationals; it is an attack on African unity, brotherhood, and Pan-Africanism. We strongly condemn these repeated xenophobic attacks and express disappointment in the inability of the South African government to adequately protect foreign nationals residing within its borders. Every government has the responsibility to protect all persons regardless of nationality, race, or religion.
At this difficult moment, our Gonjaland brothers and all Ghanaians residing in South Africa need our support, solidarity, and prayers. No Ghanaian or African should have to live in fear simply because they seek better opportunities in another African country. Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected Africans, especially our Gonjaland brothers and fellow Ghanaians living in South Africa who continue to face fear and uncertainty. They need our support, solidarity, and prayers.
The swift intervention and concern shown by the Government of Ghana deserve commendation. We extend our appreciation to the Government of Ghana under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama for demonstrating compassion and concern for the welfare and safety of Ghanaian citizens affected by the attacks. The repatriation efforts and support extended to affected citizens reflect responsible leadership and national commitment toward protecting Ghanaians wherever they may find themselves.
Reports of assistance packages and reintegration support for the deported and repatriated Ghanaians further demonstrate the government's commitment to helping affected citizens rebuild their lives after the trauma and economic hardship suffered during the attacks. It is important to remind ourselves that South African companies continue to operate successfully and peacefully in Ghana and many other African countries without intimidation, discrimination, or violence.
Companies such as MTN Ghana, Stanbic Bank, MultiChoice (DStv), Shoprite, and Gold Fields have benefited immensely from the peaceful hospitality and brotherhood extended by Ghanaians and other Africans. Gold Fields, a major South African mining company operating in Tarkwa and Damang, continues to contribute significantly to Ghana's economy through employment opportunities, taxes, royalties, infrastructure development, and community support initiatives.
Should Ghanaians and other Africans repeat the unfortunate actions currently witnessed in South Africa against South African businesses and citizens living in our countries? Certainly not. That is not the African spirit we believe in. Africa must rise above hatred, division, and xenophobia. The true response to injustice should not be revenge but a collective commitment to peace, coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect among African peoples.
The dream of Pan-Africanism championed by leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah was founded on unity, solidarity, shared destiny, and mutual respect among African peoples. Xenophobia directly contradicts these ideals. Africa's liberation was achieved collectively. The freedom enjoyed in South Africa today was not secured by South Africans alone but through sacrifices made across the continent.
Many African nations invested resources, diplomatic capital, and even lives to help dismantle apartheid. The younger generation must therefore be educated about this shared history so that gratitude, unity, and brotherhood are preserved. Africa's strength lies in unity, peace, and solidarity. The sacrifices that secured South Africa's freedom should unite Africans, not divide them.
The continent must rise against xenophobia and promote mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and African brotherhood. Xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa are not merely acts of violence against migrants; they are wounds inflicted upon the spirit of African unity itself. They betray the sacrifices made by countless Africans who stood with South Africa during apartheid and weaken the collective vision of a united and prosperous Africa.
The continent must remember that the struggle against oppression was shared. African freedom was achieved together, and Africa's future can only be secured together. In the words of Kwame Nkrumah: 'Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.' Africa must reject xenophobia and embrace the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and shared humanity. History will never forget those who stood for justice, unity, and humanity.