Ghana petitions AU over xenophobic attacks on African nationals in South Africa

The Government of Ghana has officially petitioned the African Union (AU) to include the issue of xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled to take place from June 24 to 27, 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt.

In a formal diplomatic communication addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ghana described the recurring attacks as a matter of “urgent continental interest” that requires immediate and collective action from African leaders and institutions.

The letter, signed by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed deep concern over the persistent wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa. According to the government, the attacks have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of businesses and investments, and growing insecurity among African migrants living and working in the country.

Ghana stated that the continued targeting of fellow Africans is deeply troubling and undermines the values of African unity and solidarity that underpin the African Union. The government also noted that many African countries, including Ghana, played significant roles in supporting South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle and the country’s transition to democracy.

While reaffirming respect for South Africa’s sovereignty and acknowledging its responsibility to protect all individuals within its borders, Ghana emphasized that attacks against African nationals contradict the principles of brotherhood, mutual respect, and continental integration shared by AU member states.

The letter further argued that the repeated incidents violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and weaken the ideals of Pan-Africanism championed by African leaders over the decades. Ghana also warned that the violence threatens the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to encourage free movement, economic cooperation, and stronger trade ties across Africa.

As part of its recommendations, Ghana urged the African Union to strengthen continental monitoring mechanisms, launch a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of the violence, and support dialogue and reconciliation efforts aimed at promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and inclusion among African communities.

The government also called for stronger cooperation among African nations in addressing xenophobia and protecting the rights and dignity of migrants across the continent.

Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to African unity, the letter quoted Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, stating that “the full potential and emancipation of Africa can only be achieved when Africa unites.” Ghana further stressed that “no African should be dehumanised on African soil.”