Retaliation or Resolution? Solomon Owusu's Hard-Hitting Call Against Xenophobia and the Growing Africa–South Africa Tension

The latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa has reignited one of Africa’s most uncomfortable conversations: How long should the rest of the continent tolerate attacks on fellow Africans before responding with stronger measures?

At the center of this debate is Ghanaian Pan-Africanist and activist Solomon Owusu, whose recent remarks have sparked intense discussions across Ghana, South Africa, and beyond. Owusu has openly advocated retaliatory measures against South Africa, arguing that repeated diplomatic protests have failed to stop attacks on foreign Africans living and working in the country.

His comments have divided opinion. Some believe his frustration reflects the anger of millions of Africans who feel betrayed by a country that once depended heavily on continental solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle. Others warn that retaliation could deepen divisions and undermine the very Pan-African ideals Africa claims to uphold.

Why Is Solomon Owusu Saying This?
To understand Owusu's position, one must understand the growing frustration among many Africans.

For years, xenophobic attacks have repeatedly erupted in South Africa. Citizens from Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other African nations have frequently reported violence, intimidation, destruction of property, and discrimination.

Owusu argues that enough is enough.
He has questioned why South African businesses continue to operate profitably across Africa while African migrants face hostility in South Africa. He has also challenged the South African diplomatic mission in Ghana to explain why reciprocal consequences should not be considered.

Behind his argument lies a deeper historical grievance.

Many Ghanaians point to Ghana's support for South Africa's liberation struggle during apartheid. Ghana under Kwame Nkrumah provided political and material support to African liberation movements, including those fighting apartheid. Many South African activists found support across the continent when they were isolated by the apartheid regime.

The question many are now asking is:
Did Africa help liberate South Africa only to become unwelcome in post-apartheid South Africa?

The Question Nobody Is Asking
Most discussions focus on whether xenophobia is right or wrong.

But a more difficult question remains:
What happens when repeated diplomacy fails?

African governments have issued statements.

The African Union has expressed concerns.

Foreign ministers have held meetings.
Yet xenophobic incidents continue to reappear.

If governments cannot guarantee the safety of African migrants, does the continent eventually abandon diplomacy for economic pressure?

This is the uncomfortable question driving the popularity of Solomon Owusu's position.

Will Retaliatory Measures Stop Xenophobia?

The answer is far from straightforward.
The Argument For Retaliation
Supporters believe South Africa responds most strongly when economic or political interests are threatened.

South African companies have extensive investments across Africa, including telecommunications, banking, retail, insurance, and mining sectors.

Advocates argue that targeted restrictions, diplomatic pressure, or economic sanctions could force Pretoria to take xenophobia more seriously.

They point to history, noting that sanctions and international pressure played a major role in ending apartheid.

The Argument Against Retaliation
Critics argue retaliation may punish innocent people.

A South African business operating in Ghana may employ hundreds of Ghanaians.

Restricting such businesses could harm local workers and investors more than it harms perpetrators of xenophobic violence.

There is also the risk of triggering reciprocal actions that damage African trade and integration efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The larger concern is that retaliation may satisfy public anger without addressing the root causes of xenophobia itself.

What Is South Africa Saying?
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently condemned xenophobic violence and vowed to act against groups responsible for attacks on foreign nationals. He warned against vigilante actions and stated that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the state, not civilians. He also argued that migrants are often unfairly blamed for deeper economic challenges such as poverty and unemployment.

The South African government has announced stricter immigration controls, legal reforms, and measures aimed at addressing underlying tensions.

However, critics ask a difficult question:

If every South African government condemns xenophobia after attacks occur, why do the attacks keep returning?

This remains one of Pretoria's greatest credibility challenges.

What Is the South African Embassy Doing?

South Africa's diplomatic representatives have been under increasing pressure from Ghanaian activists and politicians.

Calls have intensified for the embassy to publicly explain what concrete measures South Africa is taking to protect foreign Africans and prevent future attacks.

Diplomatic engagement between Accra and Pretoria has also increased following reports and videos of attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa. Ghana's government has raised concerns through official channels and sought assurances regarding the safety of its citizens.

What Are Ordinary Africans Saying?
Public opinion appears deeply divided.
One group argues that Africa has been too patient and that stronger action is necessary.

Another group fears that retaliatory measures would create a dangerous cycle of nationalism and hostility across the continent.

Many South Africans themselves have condemned xenophobic attacks and insist the violence does not represent the views of the majority.

At the same time, frustration among unemployed South Africans has fueled narratives blaming migrants for economic hardship, despite economists frequently pointing to broader structural challenges.

Should The Rest of Africa React?
Perhaps the real question is not whether Africa should react.

The real question is how.
Should Africa:
- Impose economic consequences?
- Pursue legal action through continental institutions?

- Demand compensation for victims?
- Create a continental anti-xenophobia framework?

- Link leadership positions in Pan-African institutions to countries' human rights records?

These are no longer theoretical questions.

Owusu and others have already begun pushing continental institutions to take stronger positions. Recently, petitions were submitted to the African Union raising concerns about South Africa's recurring xenophobia and its implications for African integration.

What Could Be the Consequences for South Africa?

If xenophobia continues, South Africa risks:

Diplomatic Isolation
Relations with key African partners could deteriorate significantly.

Economic Consequences
Consumer boycotts, reduced investment confidence, and pressure on South African businesses operating elsewhere in Africa could emerge.

Damage to Pan-African Leadership
South Africa has long positioned itself as a continental leader.

Repeated xenophobic violence undermines that image and raises questions about its commitment to African unity.

AfCFTA Challenges
The success of AfCFTA depends on trust, mobility, and cooperation.

Persistent xenophobia threatens those foundations.

The Hardest Question of All
The greatest irony may be this:
South Africa's freedom struggle was won with the support of Africans across the continent.

Today, many Africans are asking whether the spirit of that solidarity still exists.

If fellow Africans cannot safely live, work, and trade in Africa's most industrialized economy, what does Pan-Africanism truly mean?

Solomon Owusu's controversial call for retaliation may not provide the perfect solution. But it has forced Africa to confront a question many leaders have avoided for years:

How many more condemnations, apologies, and diplomatic meetings must occur before xenophobia finally becomes politically, economically, and morally unacceptable across the continent?

Until that question is answered with action rather than statements, the debate over retaliation versus reconciliation will only grow louder.

By:
Patrick Belebang Yagsori
+233240292413
patrickbelebang@gmail.com

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