Ghana: Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union (AU) to address the persistent xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, as part of the agenda for the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the continental body scheduled for June 24 to 27, 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt.
According to Ghana News Agency, the petition was made through a letter dated May 6, 2026, signed by Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The letter described the attacks as a matter of 'urgent continental interest' and called for collective African action. Addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, the letter expressed Ghana's deep concern over these recurring incidents, which have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of investments, and threats to the safety of African nationals residing in South Africa.
The Ghanaian Government emphasized its concern over the recurrence of xenophobic incidents in South Africa, particularly in light of the solidarity African states showed during South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and democratic transition. While acknowledging South Africa's sovereignty and responsibility to protect all persons within its territory, Ghana argued that the targeting of African nationals undermined the principles of African solidarity, brotherhood, and unity.
The letter further stated that Ghana believes these attacks violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, weaken Pan-African integration efforts, and contradict the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promotes free movement and economic integration across the continent.
Ghana proposed several measures for AU consideration, including formally adding the issue to the AU meeting agenda, strengthening AU monitoring mechanisms, and establishing a fact-finding mission to investigate the causes of the violence. The Government also called for dialogue and reconciliation initiatives to promote tolerance, inclusion, integration, and a renewed commitment to continental unity.
The letter highlighted that Africa's future depends on shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect, despite its painful history of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid. Invoking the ideals of Ghana's first President, Kwame Nkrumah, the Foreign Minister noted that Africa's full potential can only be realized through unity and collective resolve.
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have periodically sparked outrage across the continent over the past two decades, affecting migrants from several African countries, such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Ghana. In 2019, attacks on foreign nationals in Johannesburg and Pretoria escalated diplomatic tensions between South Africa and several African countries. These incidents have raised concerns about migration, unemployment, inequality, and social tensions in Africa's most industrialized economy.
The African Union has consistently condemned xenophobia and violence against migrants, describing such acts as contrary to the vision of African unity and integration.