Mahama secures AU commitment to put South Africa xenophobic attacks on summit agenda

President John Dramani Mahama has secured a commitment from African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to place the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the next African Union Summit.

The commitment was made during bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra, where the two leaders discussed the growing concerns over attacks on foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, living and working in South Africa.

President Mahama stressed that while Ghana continues to value its longstanding relationship with South Africa, the attacks on Ghanaian citizens and other African nationals cannot be overlooked.

According to him, the issue requires collective continental attention rather than silence.

Sweeping the matter under the carpet will not resolve the root causes," President Mahama said.

He explained that raising the matter at the African Union Summit would provide South Africa with an opportunity to present its perspective while allowing member states to jointly identify sustainable solutions to prevent future incidents.

The President emphasised that Ghana's position is not intended to create divisions but to promote constructive dialogue aimed at protecting African citizens across the continent.

He noted that addressing xenophobia through the African Union would strengthen regional solidarity and reinforce the shared commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of all Africans, regardless of where they reside.

According to President Mahama, meaningful engagement among African leaders is essential to tackling the underlying causes of xenophobic violence.

The renewed diplomatic engagement follows recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa that forced the Ghanaian government to evacuate affected citizens.

Government subsequently organised an airlift for Ghanaians seeking to return home after violence escalated in parts of South Africa.

Ghana also formally petitioned the African Union Commission, calling for urgent continental action to address the situation and prevent further attacks on African nationals.

Following discussions with President Mahama, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf agreed to place the issue before African leaders at the next AU Summit.

The expected discussions will provide member states with an opportunity to examine the causes of xenophobic violence, strengthen continental cooperation and consider measures to better protect African citizens living in other member countries.

Reaffirming Ghana's commitment to African integration, President Mahama said unity remains the continent's greatest strength.Africa's strength lies in our unity."

He reiterated that Ghana will continue to champion dialogue, solidarity and collective action to protect African lives, investments and the principles of free movement and peaceful coexistence across the continent.

The President said lasting solutions can only be achieved through cooperation among African governments and institutions, ensuring that every African citizen can live, work and invest safely anywhere on the continent.