By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Two Ghanaian nationals have sent a petition to the International Criminal Court to launch a preliminary investigation into attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, which they said could constitute crimes against humanity.
South Africa has faced criticism over anti-immigrant protests in recent months that have caused the deaths of foreigners.
Demonstrators blame foreign nationals for problems such as crime and unemployment in South Africa. In addition to the killing of other African nationals, others have been beaten, while homes and shops have been looted. Tens of thousands have fled the country.
The petition submitted to the court on July 15, alleges a “pattern of widespread and systematic attacks” against migrants in South Africa and accuses President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of failing to prevent or punish those crimes, including murder.
A spokesperson for South Africa’s foreign affairs ministry said the petition was opportunistic.
“South Africa has a sophisticated domestic legal framework and legislation provides comprehensive safeguards and enforcement measures against discrimination of any kind, including intolerance on the grounds of social origin,” the spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, told reporters.
The petition was filed by Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former Ghanaian government spokesperson on governance and security, and Emmanuel Kotin, a counter-terrorism and security analyst.
“For years, African brothers and sisters have been killed, beaten, and driven from their homes in South Africa,” they said in a press release.
“While we commend individuals in South Africa who have condemned these acts, the pattern, scale, and recurrence of the violence raise serious questions about the failure of state authorities to prevent, investigate, and punish these crimes,” it said.
