Ghana Urges AU Action Over Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa Ahead of Egypt Meeting
Ghana has escalated diplomatic pressure on the African Union, calling for urgent continental action over recurring xenophobic violence against African nationals in South Africa, which it says continues to threaten African unity and integration efforts.
In a memorandum dated May 6, 2026, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, urged the African Union leadership to formally include the issue on the agenda of its Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for June 24 to 27, 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt.
The letter expressed deep concern over repeated attacks on African migrants in South Africa, noting that the incidents have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and growing insecurity among foreign nationals.
Ghana warned that the continued violence undermines African solidarity and the core principles of unity and cooperation that underpin the African Union. It also referenced South Africa’s historical struggle against apartheid, noting that its democratic transformation was supported by continental solidarity, and stressed that current xenophobic attacks contradict that legacy.
The memorandum further stated that the situation violates the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and poses challenges to regional integration efforts, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promotes free movement and economic cooperation.
Ghana urged the African Union to formally table the issue at the upcoming meeting, strengthen compliance mechanisms among member states, and deploy a fact-finding mission to investigate the causes of xenophobic violence.
It also called for dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion, and renewed commitment to African unity.
The statement concluded that Africa’s progress depends on shared responsibility, mutual respect, and the protection of all its citizens across borders.
