Eric Twum, a member of the New Patriotic Party’s Communication team, has urged African nations to suspend economic and commercial ties with South Africa in response to renewed xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals. Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, May 26, he described the incidents as deeply troubling and incompatible with ongoing efforts to foster African unity and strengthen continental trade cooperation.
He emphasised that the recurring attacks undermine the spirit of integration and collaboration being advanced through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “The South African government is not taking the issue seriously, and I believe that for us as a people—and for Africa as a whole—we must be resolute so that this menace does not fester,” he stated.
“We should stop going there, stop buying their products, stop taking their flights and stop dealing with them so that they can feel the pinch, because all of these things directly or indirectly support the same people who claim foreigners are taking their jobs,” he said. These projections he stated, would serve as a strong deterrent and compel South African authorities to take decisive steps to address the recurring xenophobic attacks and protect foreign nationals living in the country.
Meanwhile, Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to place the recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the continental body.
Source: Patricia Boakye
