The Government of Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union (AU) over recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, describing the situation as a threat to continental unity, integration and the safety of Africans living in the country.
In a letter dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, requested that the matter be placed on the agenda of the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union scheduled to take place in El Alamein, Egypt, from June 24 to 27, 2026.
The letter expressed Ghana’s “deep concern” over the recurrence of xenophobic incidents in South Africa, noting that the attacks have led to loss of lives, destruction of investments and heightened insecurity among African nationals residing there.
“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” the statement said.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the development is worrying given the longstanding solidarity shown by African states during the struggle against apartheid and South Africa’s democratic transition.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereignty and its responsibility to protect all persons within its territory, Ghana argued that the targeting of African nationals undermines the shared principles of African solidarity, brotherhood and continental unity.
The government further stated that the attacks constitute a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and run contrary to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to promote free movement, reduce barriers and foster economic integration across the continent.
Ghana is therefore calling on the AU to adopt several measures, including placing the issue formally on the agenda of the upcoming AU meeting, strengthening monitoring mechanisms to support member states in upholding their obligations under the AU Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and establishing a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The government also proposed dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion and renewed commitment to continental unity among African peoples.
Reaffirming Ghana’s Pan-African ideals, the letter stressed that Africa’s progress and emancipation can only be achieved through unity and mutual respect.
“As Ghana’s founder and renowned Pan-Africanist Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah consistently proclaimed, the full potential and emancipation of Africa can only be achieved when Africa unites,” the letter noted, ” stressing that “no African should be dehumanised on African soil.”
