Ghana’s President explain why the push for AU to debate xenophobia in South Africa

Ghana has intensified calls for the African Union (AU) to place the recurring xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa on the agenda of its next summit, arguing that the issue threatens Africa’s unity, regional integration and cross-border investments.

The renewed push comes amid growing concern among African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, over repeated attacks on African migrants and businesses in South Africa, incidents that have strained diplomatic relations and raised questions about the continent’s commitment to free movement and economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking after bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra, President John Dramani Mahama said Ghana had formally requested the AU Commission to ensure the matter receives comprehensive discussion at the continental body’s next summit.

According to him, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has acknowledged the urgency of the issue and agreed that it deserves consideration by African leaders.

Mahama explained that Ghana’s position was not intended to isolate or antagonise South Africa but to encourage an honest continental conversation capable of producing lasting solutions.

Earlier in the week, he said he met with a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during which Ghana made its concerns clear.

“We do not harbour ill will toward South Africa. However, we remain deeply concerned about the attacks and the significant capital losses suffered by people from various countries across the continent,” Mahama said.

He stressed that recurring attacks on African nationals undermine the spirit of Pan-Africanism and weaken efforts to deepen economic cooperation and political integration among member states.

According to him, ignoring the problem would only allow tensions to persist while discouraging Africans from investing, working and living freely in other countries on the continent.

Mahama noted that placing the issue before the AU Assembly would provide South Africa with a formal platform to explain its position while enabling member states to collectively identify practical measures to address the underlying causes of xenophobic violence.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with all AU member states to protect the dignity, safety and investments of Africans wherever they reside on the continent.

Why Ghana and Nigeria want AU intervention

The call is expected to receive support from countries such as Nigeria, whose citizens have repeatedly been victims of xenophobic violence in South Africa.

For both Ghana and Nigeria, elevating the matter to the AU level is viewed as essential because the attacks extend beyond bilateral disputes and now pose a continental challenge affecting trade, migration, investment and regional stability.

Officials and analysts argue that repeated violence discourages entrepreneurs from investing across African borders at a time when governments are seeking to expand intra-African commerce through the AfCFTA.

Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest economies, has seen several of its citizens and business owners affected by previous outbreaks of violence, leading to diplomatic protests, emergency evacuations and calls for stronger protections for African migrants.

Similarly, Ghanaian traders and business operators have periodically complained of hostile treatment and restrictions in some foreign markets, reinforcing Accra’s position that African governments must collectively uphold the rights of citizens living in other member states.

Both countries believe a formal AU discussion could lead to common standards for protecting migrants, improving law enforcement cooperation and establishing mechanisms to prevent future attacks.

Long-standing continental concern

Xenophobic violence has remained one of Africa’s most sensitive diplomatic issues for nearly two decades.

South Africa has witnessed several waves of attacks targeting foreign nationals since 2008, with migrants from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Somalia, Ghana and other African countries among those affected.

The violence has often resulted in deaths, injuries, destruction of businesses and widespread displacement, drawing condemnation from governments across the continent.

Several episodes have also prompted retaliatory protests in other African countries, while diplomatic tensions have occasionally threatened economic and political relations.

The challenge has become increasingly significant as African leaders promote the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to remove barriers to trade, encourage investment and facilitate greater movement of people, goods and services across the continent.

Analysts say recurring xenophobic attacks risk undermining confidence in those ambitions by creating uncertainty for investors and workers seeking opportunities beyond their national borders.

They argue that addressing the issue through the AU would reinforce the organisation’s commitment to Agenda 2063, which envisions a more integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa.

For Ghana, bringing the matter before the AU is intended to encourage collective responsibility rather than assign blame.

Mahama maintained that Africa’s progress depends on unity and mutual respect among member states, insisting that lasting solutions can only emerge through open dialogue, stronger cooperation and a shared commitment to safeguarding every African, regardless of where they live or conduct business on the continent.