South Africa says it will cooperate with AU review of xenophobia claims after Ghana petition

The South Africa government has stated that it is ready to cooperate with any African Union (AU) process investigating allegations of xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, following Ghana’s decision to formally escalate the issue to the continental body.

Speaking at a media briefing after Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said the South African government has nothing to hide and would fully cooperate if the African Union decides to place the matter on its official agenda.

“Our position is that we have nothing to hide as a South African government. We will provide — if the AU decides to put the matter on the agenda — the report, including the facts related to the matter,” she stated.

Ntshavheni maintained that available evidence would show there are no officially sanctioned xenophobic attacks in South Africa, although she acknowledged that there have been incidents involving violence against foreign nationals.

She stressed that South African security agencies are expected to act decisively against all forms of criminal behaviour, regardless of the nationality of those involved.

Her remarks come shortly after Ghana formally petitioned the African Union over recurring attacks, threats, and violence targeting African migrants living in South Africa.

In a letter dated May 6, 2026, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, called on the AU Commission to treat the issue as a matter of urgent continental importance.

According to the petition, the concerns include reported deaths, destruction of businesses, intimidation, and growing insecurity among African migrant communities residing in South Africa.

Ghana has requested that the matter be discussed during the AU’s Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled to take place from June 24 to 27 in El Alamein.

The diplomatic action follows renewed fears among Ghanaian communities in South Africa after anti-immigrant protests resurfaced in several parts of the country.

On April 28, 2026, the Ghana High Commission in South Africa issued a public advisory urging Ghanaian nationals to remain cautious and avoid areas where demonstrations were expected to occur.

Some Ghanaian business owners were additionally advised to temporarily shut down their shops amid fears of looting, vandalism, and attacks.

In his petition, Mr. Ablakwa acknowledged South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws but argued that violence and hostility directed at African migrants undermine the principles of African unity, cooperation, and solidarity promoted by the African Union.

The development has intensified diplomatic attention on migration, regional security, and the protection of African migrants within member states of the AU.