UN-PAF condemns xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The United Nations Peace Ambassadors Foundation (UN-PAF) has joined the global anger against South Africa over the xenophobic attack against migrants and called on the South African government to stand out and defend foreigners in their jurisdiction.

The UN-PAF also called on the African Union (AU) to take a pragmatic step toward the protection of everyone on the continent irrespective of where they live. "The AU must publicly call the government of South Africa to order and abide by the tenets of the African Union mandate.

“The physical abuse, torture and beating of other nationals in South Africa is unacceptable, and Ms Jucinta Zuma, who was captured in videos leading the attack, must be hauled before the African Court on Human and People’s Rights to face immediate prosecution.”

The UN-PAF, in a statement to the Modern Ghana News in Accra signed by Ambassador Sarki Sulemana Mandy, General Secretary of the UN-PAF–African High Commission, United Nations Peace Ambassadors Foundation (UN-PAF) and the Ablekuma-Oduman Zango chief stated.

The UN-PAF stated, "We strongly and unequivocally condemn all forms of xenophobic attacks, harassment, and violence against fellow Africans. Such actions are unacceptable, unlawful, and fundamentally undermine the values of African solidarity, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence.

“No grievance—economic or social—can justify targeting individuals based on nationality.”

The statement acknowledged that Africa’s strength lies in its unity. At a time when the continent is advancing frameworks such as the African Union Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promote integration, mobility, and economic cooperation, acts of intolerance threaten to erode decades of collective progress.

“We call on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to take swift, decisive, and transparent action to investigate these incidents and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

“The protection of all African nationals within any sovereign state is a shared moral and legal responsibility under international and regional human rights frameworks.

“To the youth of South Africa: We urge you to reject xenophobia, violence, and division in all its forms. You are central to shaping the future of your nation and the continent.

“Africa’s progress cannot be built on hostility toward fellow Africans. Challenges such as unemployment and inequality must be addressed through innovation, collaboration, and unity—not through blame or aggression against others."

The UN-PAF also commended the Government of Ghana for its calm, strategic, and diplomatic response to the recent xenophobic incidents in South Africa involving a Ghanaian and other African nationals.

“We particularly recognise the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for demonstrating restraint and prioritising constructive diplomatic engagement at a time of heightened concern across the continent.

“We affirm that Ghana has set a commendable standard for responsible state conduct. In the face of provocation, Ghana has chosen diplomacy over escalation, reinforcing the principles of peace, dialogue, and mutual respect that must guide relations among African nations.

“We call on all African nations and citizens to draw lessons from Ghana’s example by rejecting retaliatory actions and embracing diplomacy as the most effective means of resolving tensions. We commend the restraint shown across the continent and urge that it be sustained in the interest of peace and regional stability,” the statement stated.

The statement calls on the relevant authorities in South Africa to take swift and decisive action to ensure justice, accountability, and the protection of all African nationals within their borders.

“We remain committed to the principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing peace, human dignity, and international cooperation across Africa.

“We note that this approach aligns with the vision of unity and cooperation championed by the African Union and strengthened through frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which depend on trust, stability, and the free movement of people across the continent,” the UN-PAF stated.