Millennium Muslim Women urges AU to take decisive action over South Africa xenophobic attacks

The Millennium Muslim Women of West Africa (MMWWA) at the weekend called on the African Union (AU) to move beyond statements and take decisive, binding action in response to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

MMWWA described the attacks targeting African migrants and refugees as “a betrayal of the Pan-African vision” and “a humanitarian failure that requires more than diplomatic sympathy."

Hawawu Mohammed Osman, the MMWWA President, stated during engagement with the media in Tema at the weekend and condemned the recent and escalating wave of xenophobic violence and harassment directed at fellow African nationals working and residing in the Republic of South Africa.

“As an organisation rooted in the principles of peace, justice, and the sanctity of human life, we find these acts of aggression against our brothers and sisters deeply distressing and contrary to the spirit of Ubuntu and Islamic teachings on hospitality and brotherhood,” she stated.

Hajia Osman called on the AU to convene an emergency AU Peace and Security Council session to pass a resolution condemning xenophobia as a crime against Pan-African solidarity, with clear penalties for non-compliance.

Hajia Osman also called for the immediate deployment of an independent AU fact-finding and human rights monitoring team to affected provinces in South Africa, with a 90-day reporting mandate.

The MMWWA also called for the establishment of a continental compensation and resettlement fund for migrants displaced or harmed by xenophobic violence, financed through member state contributions.

Hajia Osman recommended a swift return to peaceful coexistence and fostering a climate where all people living in South Africa, regardless of their country of origin, can contribute to the nation’s growth in harmony.

“For true continental cohesion and development, we must recognise that Africa’s strength lies in its unity, not in its fragmentation,” the MMWWA President stated.

“Africa cannot integrate its markets while disintegrating its people. The AU must decide whether it is a union of governments or a union of Africans.

“We call upon the government of South Africa to take immediate and decisive action to protect the lives, property, and dignity of all foreign nationals."

The MMWWA cautioned that there would be grave consequences if these ongoing attacks continue, including economic stagnation, a humanitarian crisis, erosion of social cohesion, and damage to South Africa's international standing.

Hajia Osman also warned that the South African attacks on foreign-owned businesses and entrepreneurs would disrupt its local economies and deter foreign investment, which is essential for achieving sustainable development goals.

She also emphasises that the violence has the potential to displace thousands of individuals, cause possible loss of life, and cause severe psychological trauma, leaving lasting scars on the victims and their families.

The MMWWA President added that the xenophobia undermines the fabric of African solidarity and threatens the success of initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“These recurring incidents damage South Africa’s image as a leader on the continent and strain diplomatic relations with sister nations,” Hajia Osman stated.

Answering questions from journalists, Ms Rashida Ibrahim, MMWWA Secretary, stressed that the movement is deeply troubled by reports of women and children, including schoolchildren of Nigerian, Ghanaian, Zimbabwean, Mozambican and other African descent, living in fear.

“No child or worker should fear going to school or work because of their nationality. Ms Ibrahim urged community leaders and politicians to avoid inflammatory rhetoric that exacerbates this issue.

Ms Ibrahim said the movement stands in solidarity with all affected individuals and families, adding, "We pray for a peaceful resolution and a renewed commitment to the shared values of humanity and progress across the African continent.”

The Millennium Muslim Women of West Africa is a regional body dedicated to the empowerment of women, the promotion of Islamic values of peace, and the advocacy for social justice and development across West Africa.