The Government of Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union (AU) to include the issue of xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the continental body.
In a diplomatic letter dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ghana expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents of violence and discrimination targeting foreign African nationals living in South Africa.
The meeting, scheduled to take place from June 24 to 27 in El Alamein, Egypt, will bring together African Heads of State and Government to deliberate on key continental matters.
The letter, signed by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the attacks as a matter of “urgent continental interest,” citing their impact on lives, businesses, and the safety of many Africans residing in South Africa.
According to the government, the continued manifestations of xenophobia undermine the spirit of African solidarity, Pan-Africanism, and regional integration championed by the African Union.
Ghana further argued that the attacks contradict the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to promote the free movement of people and economic cooperation across the continent.
The government also maintained that the situation constitutes a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which South Africa is a signatory.
As part of its proposals to the AU, Ghana called for stronger continental monitoring mechanisms to ensure member states uphold their obligations under the AU Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The government additionally proposed the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and recommend remedial measures to the African Union.
It also urged the facilitation of dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion, integration, and renewed commitment to African unity.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereignty and responsibility to protect all persons within its territory, Ghana stressed that the targeting of fellow Africans poses a threat to the shared principles of brotherhood and continental unity.
The letter concluded with a call for collective African action to ensure that no African is dehumanised on African soil.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
