Tit for tat? SA strikes back at Ghana over ‘xenophobic attacks’ against foreigners

The South African Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation has hit back at Ghana’s request for an African Union (AU) debate on SA’s treatment of foreign nationals.

The Ghanaian government recently wrote to the AU to share its concern about “the recurrence of xenophobic incidents in the Republic of South Africa, which have regrettably resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of investment and continue to pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of many African nationals residing in South Africa.”

“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years. This development is especially concerning when viewed in the light of the longstanding solidarity demonstrated by African states in support of the struggle against apartheid and South Africa’s subsequent democratic transformation,” it added.

It said the attacks were a challenge to “continental unity” and “a clear violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

It asked that the matter be put on the agenda at the AU’s upcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting to be held next month in Egypt. The event is expected to be attended by African Heads of State.

Tit for tat? South Africa wants its own item added

The South African international relations ministry said on Friday that “sporadic incidents of confrontation against some immigrants, among them citizens of fellow African states residing in South Africa, by sections in our communities earlier this month” were dealt with and condemned by the South African government.

It added that South Africa remains open to continued diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue with any African country on their concerns, and so found the decision by Ghana “to escalate concerns about irregular migration to the African Union regrettable.”

The ministry said that should the item be placed on the agenda, South Africa would propose its own item on “the push and pull factors of migration, including good governance, rule of law, and democracy, in accordance with the Constitutive Act of the AU.”

This was seen as a reference to concerns about governance failures by African states across the continent that have driven people to flee their home countries, including to South Africa.

“South Africa will continue to lead with a Pan-African heart. Our commitment is to solidarity, the rule of law, and the safety of all who reside within our borders. Migration must be managed through cooperation, compassion and continental responsibility,” minister Ronald Lamola added.