Accra: Member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communication team, Eric Twum, has called on African countries to suspend economic and commercial engagements with South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
According to Ghana Web, Twum highlighted that repeated attacks on foreign nationals living and working in South Africa are alarming and threaten the vision of African unity and cooperation that many countries on the continent have worked to promote. Speaking on Channel One TV's Breakfast Daily, Twum emphasized that these incidents run counter to regional integration efforts, especially as African nations strive to deepen trade and economic ties through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Twum argued for stronger action to compel South African authorities to address the problem and ensure the safety of foreign nationals. He stated, "The South African government is not taking the issue seriously, and I think that for us as a people and the rest of Africa, we need to be very clear in our minds so that this thing does not fester."
He further urged a halt to economic interactions with South Africa, suggesting that ceasing travel, trade, and commercial activities would pressure the South African government to take more decisive action. Twum believes such measures would send a strong message and encourage South African authorities to act against xenophobic violence.
His comments arrive amid ongoing discussions across the continent regarding the safety of migrants and the ramifications of xenophobia on African integration. Meanwhile, Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to address the recurring attacks on African nationals in South Africa during the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting.