Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union (AU) to place the recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the continental body.
In a letter dated May 6, 2026, addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the attacks as a matter of “urgent continental interest,” warning that the recurring incidents continue to threaten the lives, investments and wellbeing of many African nationals living in South Africa.
The latest diplomatic move follows renewed concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa after recent anti-immigration demonstrations and tensions involving migrant communities, including the widely discussed assault on a Ghanaian national that sparked outrage across social media and renewed calls for stronger African solidarity and protection mechanisms.
Ghana, in the letter, noted that while South Africa retains the sovereign responsibility to maintain law and order within its territory however, the targeting of African migrants undermines the principles of Pan-Africanism, continental unity and regional integration championed by the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“While fully acknowledging the sovereignty of the Republic of South Africa and its primary responsibility to protect all persons within its territory, the targeting of nationals from African countries presents a challenge to the shared principles of African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity to which all Member States of the African Union are committed.” He stated.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry further argued that persistent xenophobic violence contradicts the spirit of African brotherhood, particularly considering the support many African countries offered South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle and its democratic transition.
“As Ghana’s founder and renowned Pan-Africanist Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah consistently proclaimed, the full potential and emancipation of Africa can only be achieved when Africa unites,” portions of the letter stated, adding that “no African should be dehumanised on African soil.” He stated.
Ghana is therefore requesting the African Union to initiate stronger monitoring mechanisms to support member states in upholding their obligations under the AU Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The government is also proposing the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate the underlying causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and recommend possible remedial interventions by the African Union.
“The establishment of a factfinding mission to examine the underlying causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and to recommend appropriate remedial interventions to the African Union” he said.
Additionally, Ghana called for dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion, integration and renewed commitment to continental unity among African peoples.
“The facilitation of dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion, integration, and renewed commitment to continental unity among African peoples.” He added.
The issue is expected to feature prominently during the African Union’s Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled to take place in El Alamein, Egypt, from June 24 to June 27, 2026, where African leaders are anticipated to deliberate on regional integration, peace, security and continental cooperation.
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