Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union (AU) 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. The request, dated May 6, 2026, was conveyed in a letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to the Chairperson of the AU Commission in Addis Ababa. Ghana has urged that the matter be treated as “a matter of urgent continental interest” during the meeting scheduled for June 24–27, 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt.
Expressing deep concern, the government described the attacks as a recurring threat that has led to loss of lives, destruction of investments, and endangered the safety of many African nationals residing in South Africa. The letter stressed: “It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years.
The government further argued that the attacks undermine the principles of African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity championed by the AU and the Pan-African movement.
According to the letter, Ghana believes the attacks violate 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 a common African market.
As part of its proposals, Ghana has requested that the AU strengthen its monitoring mechanisms to ensure member states uphold their obligations under the AU Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The government also called for the establishment of a fact-finding mission to examine the underlying causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and recommend appropriate remedial interventions to the AU.
Additionally, Ghana proposed dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion, integration and renewed commitment to continental unity among African peoples.
The letter emphasised that despite Africa’s painful history of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid, the continent’s future must be built on shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect.
Citing Ghana’s first President and Pan-Africanist, Kwame Nkrumah, the government said Africa’s full emancipation and potential can only be realized through unity and by ensuring that no African is dehumanised on African soil.
Source: William Narh
