Ghana petitions African Union over xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The Government of Ghana has formally requested the inclusion of xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union scheduled for 24 to 27 June 2026 in El Alamein, Egypt.

In a letter dated 6 May 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said Ghana remains deeply concerned about recurring xenophobic incidents in South Africa, which have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of investments and threats to the safety of African nationals living in the country.

The letter stated that violent attacks against fellow Africans undermine African solidarity, brotherhood and continental unity, particularly given the support African states provided during the struggle against apartheid.

Ghana argued that the attacks violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, undermine the spirit of Pan-Africanism and run contrary to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The government requested that the African Union place the matter on the meeting agenda and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to support member states in upholding their obligations under the AU Constitutive Act and the African Charter.

It also called for a fact-finding mission into the causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and urged dialogue and reconciliation initiatives to promote tolerance, inclusion and continental unity.

The letter added that Africa’s future depends on shared dignity, prosperity and mutual respect, stressing that no African should be dehumanised on African soil.