The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, has expressed deep concern over the recent surge of xenophobic violence targeting Africans in South Africa. In a powerful statement, he condemned the attacks and called for urgent continental action to address the rising crisis.
Addressing Parliament, Dafeamekpor emphasized that the violence is not an isolated incident or a case of social frustration but a dangerous pattern of organized hostility under the guise of “community protection” and “clean-up operations.” Recent incidents in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal have seen mobs attacking fellow Africans—demanding identity documents, interrogating individuals without lawful authority, and forcing migrant-owned businesses to shut down out of fear. Tragically, a Ghanaian national was among those confronted and told to “fix his own country,” sparking outrage.
The MP condemned such acts, stressing that no private citizen or mob has the legal right to determine who belongs in Africa. “This pattern of vigilantism and unlawful conduct represents a dangerous collapse between lawful governance and street violence,” he stated.
Hon. Dafeamekpor reminded the House of South Africa’s historic role in supporting liberation movements across Africa and expressed pain that Africans who fought for South Africa’s freedom now live in fear within the country. He criticized the moral contradiction of South Africa condemning injustice abroad while tolerating xenophobic violence at home, which weakens its moral authority on the global stage.
The MP highlighted Ghana’s strong economic ties with South Africa, noting major South African companies operating successfully in Ghana, including MTN, Shoprite, Absa, and South African Airways. These partnerships exemplify the spirit of African solidarity, which he said is undermined by violence.
He called on the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament to adopt a resolution condemning xenophobia, investigate and prosecute perpetrators, and establish stronger protection mechanisms for African migrants and traders. He also urged the development of a continental early warning system and strategies to promote economic cooperation and youth employment to address the socio-economic frustrations fueling xenophobia.
“Africa cannot preach unity while Africans bleed in our streets,” he declared. “We must stand together, uphold dignity, and ensure that every African life matters equally across our continent.”
Hon. Dafeamekpor concluded with a call for collective responsibility and reflection, asking what past heroes like Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, and Patrice Lumumba would say about Africa turning against its own people. “History is watching us. Let our response be courage over fear, unity over division, and justice over silence.”
