The Government of Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to place the issue of xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for June 24–27, 2026, in El Alamein.
In a diplomatic letter signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and addressed to the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Ghana described the recurring attacks as an urgent continental issue demanding collective African action.
The government expressed concern over the continued violence targeting African migrants in South Africa, noting that the incidents have resulted in deaths, destruction of businesses, and growing insecurity among foreign nationals. Ghana said the attacks contradict the principles of African solidarity and unity, especially given the support many African nations offered South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.
While recognising South Africa’s sovereignty and responsibility to maintain law and order, Ghana argued that the attacks violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and undermine the goals of Pan-Africanism and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ghana called on the AU to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, launch a fact-finding mission into the violence, and promote dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at fostering tolerance and inclusion across the continent.
Reaffirming its commitment to African unity, Ghana quoted founding President Kwame Nkrumah, stating that Africa’s full emancipation can only be achieved through unity and mutual respect, adding that “no African should be dehumanised on African soil.”
