Sweeping South Africa xenophobia under the carpet will not resolve root causes — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called on the African Union (AU) to formally address xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa.

The President's call follows a series of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa against African nationals who have been accused persons of taking jobs belonging to locals.

Ghana has officially requested that the matter be placed on the agenda for discussion at the next AU Summit to provide a platform for a continental response.

Mahama made the call during bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra on Wednesday, July 22.

According to the President, Ghana’s concerns are not driven by hostility towards South Africa but by the need to protect the dignity and investments of Africans.

"Sweeping this matter under the carpet will not resolve its root causes. That is why Ghana officially wrote to the AU Commission requesting that this issue be placed on the agenda for the next summit," said the President.

According to the President, xenophobic attacks and the losses suffered by foreign nationals in South Africa undermine African solidarity and efforts towards continental integration.

He said discussions at the AU level would allow South Africa to present its perspective and also enable member states to work together towards a lasting solution.

"Placing this on the AU agenda gives South Africa a formal, constructive platform to share its perspective, and together, as a continent, work toward a lasting solution," Mr. Mahama said.

Mahama also said Ghana remains committed to working with all AU member states to develop measures that protect the safety, dignity and investments of Africans across the continent.

His comments follow a meeting with a special envoy from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was sent to engage with him in Accra earlier in the week over Ghana’s concerns.

Ghana has already evacuated nationals caught in the situation and has expressed intention to use all available means to protest the killing of one national.