Accra: The African Chamber of Content Producers (ACCP) has called for the intervention of the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to address the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa against other African nationals. The ACCP expressed concern that these attacks are undermining the progress made in intra-African trade, tourism, and continental unity.
According to Ghana News Agency, the situation has reached a critical point, with Ghana evacuating approximately 300 of its nationals from South Africa and assisting them with reintegration. Ghanaians have expressed disappointment, calling for demonstrations and demanding the closure of South African-owned businesses in Ghana. The online discourse has intensified, raising the risk of hate speech and anti-South African sentiment.
South African Tourism has confirmed the ACCP's concerns, acknowledging reports of canceled travel bookings from several African countries following recent protests and incidents targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. The agency emphasized the importance of Africa as South Africa's largest source market and noted that the xenophobic violence poses not only a moral issue but also an economic threat.
The ACCP warned that the violence could damage the trust necessary for the AfCFTA and Pan-African unity, cautioning that this situation is a prelude to more severe consequences if immediate action is not taken. Ghana has escalated its diplomatic response, summoning South Africa's Acting High Commissioner and petitioning the AU for an emergency debate on the attacks. The ACCP's warning aligns with Ghana's diplomatic actions as the country's Foreign Minister has coordinated an official response with South Africa following the attacks.
Ghana's High Commissioner confirmed that African ambassadors in South Africa boycotted Africa Day celebrations in protest of the renewed hostility. Meanwhile, the South African government has denied the allegations of widespread xenophobia, describing the incidents as isolated. However, Ghanaian civil society groups have rejected this denial, calling for structural protection of African migrants.
The ACCP highlighted that continued xenophobic violence undermines the foundational goals of the AfCFTA, which aims to create a single continental market. Despite South Africa's significant role in intra-African trade, distrust toward African immigrants is prevalent. The ACCP emphasized that the wave of xenophobia threatens Africa's progress toward building a unified trade block.
The ACCP called on the AU to investigate whether external forces are sponsoring xenophobic activities to hinder AfCFTA's implementation and Continental unity. Drawing historical parallels, the ACCP urged the AU to be vigilant against potential external destabilization efforts.
The ACCP also renewed its call for an "Intra-African Trade in Action" documentary to humanize trade and migration, highlighting the need for creative and diplomatic tools. The ACCP outlined several demands for the AU and South African government, including convening an emergency summit, launching an independent inquiry into external influences, adopting a binding protocol for migrant protection, and investing in continent-wide civic education campaigns.
The ACCP remains committed to Africa's success and development, urging immediate action to prove that Africans are capable of managing their own affairs. The ACCP is dedicated to promoting local content sovereignty across various sectors and certifies professionals as ambassadors to protect Africa's authentic image.