By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
The Government of Ghana has officially petitioned the African Union to address the persistent wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa. This diplomatic move seeks to place the safety of African nationals on the formal agenda of the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting. The high-level summit is scheduled to take place from June 24 to 27, 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt.
Urgent Continental Interest Demands Collective Action
In a direct communication to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ghana classified the recurring violence as a matter of urgent continental interest. The letter was signed by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. The document expressed profound concern regarding the cycle of attacks that have resulted in the loss of lives and the destruction of significant investments. Ghana argues that these incidents pose a direct threat to the safety and well-being of all African migrants residing in South Africa.
Persistence of Violence Despite Historical Ties
Ghanaian officials highlighted the irony of the current hostility given the historical support provided to South Africa during its liberation. The statement noted that the attacks are particularly disturbing because many African nations showed immense solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle. Minister Ablakwa emphasized that the ongoing nature of the crisis is unacceptable. “It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” the statement said.
Violations of Shared African Principles and Law
The petition argues that South Africa’s domestic challenges are spilling over into a violation of international agreements. Ghana stressed that while South Africa maintains its sovereignty, it has a clear responsibility to protect every person within its borders. The government stated that targeting fellow Africans undermines the shared principles of African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity. Furthermore, Ghana believes the continued attacks constitute “a clear violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
Government evacuates victim of viral video attack
In a swift humanitarian response, the Ghanaian government facilitated the emergency return of Emmanuel Asamoah, a national seen being harassed in a viral social media video. The footage captured tense scenes of foreign nationals being intimidated by groups accusing them of taking local jobs—a sentiment fueled by economic pressure and high unemployment. Harold Agyeman, Coordinating Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the evacuation, stating, “Under the instructions of the minister, Emmanuel Asamoah has been relocated to Ghana to ensure that he is in a safe space.” Agyeman reinforced that the protection of citizens abroad is a top priority, adding, “the government is very much conscious and strongly committed to protecting our nationals abroad.”
Direct Threats to Ghanaian Nationals and Safety Advisories
The diplomatic escalation follows a specific, harrowing incident in KwaZulu-Natal where a Ghanaian national was confronted by a mob, forced to prove his legal status on camera, and told to “fix his country” before being assaulted. In response to such threats, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria issued a security advisory on April 28, 2026, urging citizens to exercise “heightened vigilance” and “maintain a low profile.” Ghanaian shop owners in major hubs have been advised to close their businesses during planned anti-immigrant marches to avoid becoming targets of looting and arson.
Economic Integration and Pan-Africanism at Risk
Diplomatic leaders in Accra warned that these tensions jeopardize the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Xenophobia contradicts the core objectives of economic integration and the free movement of people. Ghana asserted that such violence weakens the spirit of Pan-Africanism. To remedy this, the petition calls on the AU to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and establish a formal fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of the violence.
Pretoria Vows Crackdown Amid Regional Pressure
The petition comes as South African officials attempt to reassure the international community of their commitment to the rule of law. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola recently stated that “acts of lawlessness, intimidation, and violence against migrant communities have no place in our constitutional democracy,” promising that those inciting such acts will be apprehended. However, Ghana is not alone in its frustration; both Nigeria and Mozambique have recently joined the chorus of diplomatic protests, underscoring a growing regional rift that threatens the AU’s goal of a borderless continent.
Retaliatory Trade Risks and Regional Economic Fallout
The crisis now threatens the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) economy. South Africa’s Cross-Border Road Transport Agency has warned of imminent retaliatory protests in Mozambique that could block key trade corridors at the Lebombo and Kosi Bay border posts. With South Africa serving as a primary export hub for the region, these “eye-for-an-eye” measures could disrupt the movement of over 1,500 heavy-goods vehicles daily, proving that xenophobia is no longer a domestic South African issue but a systemic threat to African trade stability.
AU and UN Call for Human Rights Accountability
International bodies have intensified their scrutiny of the crisis. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) issued a statement deploring the vigilante conduct and “longstanding pattern of xenophobic violence” in the country. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also expressed deep concern, noting that such violence exploits socio-economic conditions and undermines the “values of freedom, dignity, and equality.” These organizations are calling for prompt, independent, and impartial investigations to ensure that the victims receive justice.
A Call for Universal Human Dignity
The Ghanaian government is pushing for the AU to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation initiatives that promote inclusion across the continent. This appeal is rooted in the vision of a unified and respectful Africa. “Africa’s future is one of shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect,” the letter stated. The petition concluded by invoking the foundational philosophy of Ghana’s first president. Quoting Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana added that “the full potential and emancipation of Africa can only be achieved when Africa unites,” while stressing that “no African should be dehumanised on African soil.”
As the AU prepares for its summit in El Alamein, the resolution of this petition will serve as a litmus test for the bloc’s ability to enforce its human rights charters against the internal political pressures of its member states. The outcome will likely determine the future of continental unity and the safety of millions of migrants across the region.
