Ghana drags South Africa to African Union over rising xenophobic attacks

Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union Commission to place the growing wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the upcoming African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for June in Egypt.

In a diplomatic letter dated May 6, 2026, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed deep concern over recurring attacks against African nationals living in South Africa, describing the incidents as a threat to continental unity, Pan-Africanism and regional integration.

The letter, addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, called for urgent continental action following recent incidents that have reportedly led to deaths, destruction of businesses and growing insecurity among foreign African communities in South Africa.

“The Government of Ghana remains deeply concerned by the recurrence of xenophobic incidents in the Republic of South Africa, which have regrettably resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of investment and continue to pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of many African nationals residing in South Africa,” it stated.

It said Ghana is requesting that the matter be formally discussed during the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, which will take place from June 24 to 27 in El Alamein.

The Ministry said the persistence of attacks against fellow Africans contradicts the spirit of solidarity that united African states during the anti-apartheid struggle and South Africa’s democratic transition.

“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” it noted.

Ghana also argued that the attacks violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and run contrary to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes free movement and economic integration across the continent.

As part of its proposals, Ghana is asking the African Union to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure member states uphold their obligations under the AU Constitutive Act and human rights instruments.

The government is also calling for the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and recommend remedial measures.

In addition, Ghana proposed dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion and renewed commitment to African unity.

The letter invoked the ideals of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, saying Africa’s future depends on unity, dignity and mutual respect among its people.

“As Ghana’s founder and renowned Pan-Africanist Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah consistently proclaimed, the full potential and emancipation of Africa can only be achieved when Africa unites,” it said.

The latest diplomatic intervention comes amid renewed debate across the continent over the treatment of African migrants and traders in South Africa, with several countries calling for stronger protections for foreign nationals.

The Government of Ghana maintains that no African should be dehumanised on African soil.