Ghana petitions AU over xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Ghana has written a letter to the African Union regarding the continued xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, which will be on the agenda of its upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for June 24 to 27, 2026, in El Alamein, Egypt.
In a memo dated May 6, 2026, addressed to the union’s chairperson, Ghana’s minister, Samuel Ablakwa, expressed deep concern over recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
He said the attacks led to loss of lives, destruction of investments and threats to the safety and well-being of African nationals living in the country.
According to the Ghanaian government, the continued attacks on fellow Africans undermine the principles of African solidarity, brotherhood and continental unity upheld by member states of the African Union.
“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,” the letter stated.
According to the Ghanaian government, the situation constitutes a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, undermines Pan-African integration efforts and contradicts the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes free movement and economic cooperation across Africa.
Ghana urged the AU to take concrete steps, including formally listing the matter on the agenda of the June meeting, strengthening monitoring mechanisms on member states’ obligations under AU treaties and establishing a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The letter also called for dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion, and a renewed commitment to African unity, stressing that Africa’s future depends on shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect among its people.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Africa
Eleven children killed, 19 injured in Algeria orphanage fire
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune described the tragedy as a huge loss.

Heading 2
Kano empowers 1,900 butchers, to establish cottage industry hubs
He said the government had already made provision for the establishment of the hubs in the 2026 budget.

Heading 3
2027 Elections: Police commence recovery of illegal arms nationwide
Mr Kokumo said the centre had destroyed more than 16,000 unserviceable weapons since its inception.

Heading 5
Court restrains FRSC from operating on Kano township roads
Mr Hikima sued the commission for unnecessarily stopping, searching and questioning him and other motorists.

Heading 5
White House teleprompter operator rakes in over $100,000 betting on Trump’s speeches: Report
Investigators discovered Mr Perez placed bets on more than a dozen of Mr Trump’s speeches over a three-month period.

Hot news Home top
Kidnapped Kogi school principal, NECO official, students regain freedom
Gunmen, on Tuesday, abducted a principal, NECO official and students during exam in Kogi school.





