By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Ghana has filed an official complaint before the African Union (AU), asking the body to place recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of its upcoming mid-year coordination meeting, describing the incidents as a threat to continental unity and African integration.
In a diplomatic note dated 6 May and addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said Accra remains “deeply concerned” about repeated xenophobic violence targeting African migrants in South Africa.
The Minister said the attacks had resulted in deaths, destruction of investments and growing insecurity among African nationals living in South Africa.
“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” the letter stated in part.
Ghana argued that the incidents undermine the principles of Pan-Africanism, solidarity and regional integration championed by the African Union and in conflict with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes free movement and economic cooperation across the continent.
The government also said the attacks could amount to violations of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which South Africa is a signatory to.
Ghana among other things therefore urged AU to put the issue at the front burner as it holds Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting from 24-27 June in El Alamein.
The cocoa-rich West African nation also called for the strengthening of AU monitoring mechanisms, and the establishment of a fact-finding mission into the causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
It urged for dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance and continental unity.
“Africa’s future is one of shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect,” the letter said, invoking the Pan-African ideals of Kwame Nkrumah.
South African authorities have previously condemned xenophobic violence and pledged to protect foreign nationals.
