Based in Abuja, Nigeria and Ghana have issued strong condemnations against the escalating anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, urging the African Union to address systemic “Afrophobia” at its upcoming summit.
South Africa is experiencing widespread protests targeting undocumented immigrants, resulting in mass exoduses and significant humanitarian concerns.
According to an AFP compilation using data from repatriating nations, over 150,000 individuals have departed South Africa in recent weeks.
On Friday, representatives from Ghana and Nigeria addressed the “recent Afrophobic demonstrations targeting African citizens in South Africa” during a West African Economic Community meeting in Liberia, as stated by Nigeria’s government.
The two leaders denounced all manifestations of xenophobia, racial intolerance, and violence against African nationals.
They emphasized the urgency of coordinated regional and continental strategies to resolve the root causes of anti-immigrant unrest.
Nigeria has successfully evacuated 1,490 citizens from South Africa, while Ghana has repatriated at least 926 nationals.
South Africa, Africa’s economic leader, remains a key destination for migrants globally.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Nigeria’s Sola Enikanolaiye specifically called for “Afrophobia” to be prioritized during next year’s African Union summit.
Ghana had previously requested an African Union discussion on xenophobic attacks in May, though its status remains unconfirmed. Additionally, a planned visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to Accra this month was postponed.
