Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to place xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the AU’s upcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in June.
In a letter dated May 6 and addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the attacks represent a violation of African solidarity and undermine the continent’s integration agenda.
The Ministry requested that the topic be included at the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, scheduled for June 24–27 in El Alamein, Egypt, describing it as “a matter of urgent continental interest.”
Ghana expressed deep concern over the recurrence of xenophobic incidents in South Africa, which it said have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and continued threats to the safety of African nationals living in the country.
“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” the letter stated. “This development is especially concerning when viewed in the light of the longstanding solidarity demonstrated by African states in support of the struggle against apartheid and South Africa’s subsequent democratic transformation.”
The government argued that the attacks contravene three key frameworks: the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the spirit of Pan-Africanism, and the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes free movement and a common market across Africa.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereignty and its primary responsibility to protect all persons within its territory, Ghana said the targeting of other Africans challenges the shared principles of continental unity that all AU Member States have committed to uphold.
Ghana outlined four steps for the AU to consider:
Inscription of the matter, on the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting agenda in line with AU procedures.
Strengthening AU monitoring mechanisms, to help Member States meet their obligations under the AU Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Establishing a fact-finding mission, to examine the root causes of xenophobic violence and recommend remedial actions.
Facilitating dialogue and reconciliation initiatives, to promote tolerance, inclusion, and continental unity.
The letter invoked Ghana’s founder Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, stating that “the full potential and emancipation of Africa can only be achieved when Africa unites,” and that this aspiration begins with ensuring “no African is dehumanised on African soil.”
The correspondence was copied to the Chairperson of the AU Executive Council and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Burundi in Bujumbura.
South Africa has faced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals, particularly from other African countries, over the past decade. The issue has repeatedly strained intra-African relations and raised questions about the implementation of AfCFTA’s free movement protocols.
The AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting brings together Heads of State and Government to harmonize AU and Regional Economic Community agendas.
