The Government of Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union (AU) to address the recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which continue to claim lives and destroy properties of African nationals.
In a petition as reported by Daily Post on Thursday, Ghana requested that the issue be placed on the agenda of the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, scheduled for June 24 to 27, 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt.
The petition reads, “I have the honour, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Ghana, to respectfully submit for inclusion on the agenda of the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, scheduled to take place from 24th to 27th June 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt, as a matter of urgent continental interest, the topic of Xenophobic Attacks in the Republic of South Africa against African Nationals.”
The Ghanaian government expressed deep concern over the persistent violence. It highlighted the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of investments belonging to Africans living in South Africa.
Mr. Ablakwa, who presented the concerns, noted that the attacks pose serious risks to the safety of many African nationals and are particularly troubling given Africa’s historical solidarity.
“This development is especially concerning when viewed in light of the longstanding solidarity demonstrated by African states in support of the struggle against apartheid and South Africa’s subsequent democratic transformation,” he added.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereignty and responsibility to protect all residents, the petition stressed that the targeting of fellow Africans undermines the principles of continental unity.
“The targeting of nationals from African countries presents a challenge to the shared principles of African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity to which all Member States of the African Union are committed,” Ablakwa stated.
The move by Ghana comes amid heightened regional tensions over xenophobia and is expected to spark discussions among African heads of state on collective measures to curb the violence and protect intra-African migrants.
