Ramaphosa criticised over handling of xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has criticised South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over his handling of recent xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant protests in South Africa.

According to him, President Ramaphosa should have taken a stronger public stance against xenophobic violence and offered greater assurances to foreign nationals, including Ghanaians living in South Africa.

Hon Asafo-Adjei Ayeh was speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse. He was disappointed with President Ramaphosa’s response, particularly after the South African leader met with groups accused of promoting anti-foreigner sentiments.

“Ramaphosa himself, from where I sit, I am not pleased with how he is handling the whole matter. I saw the xenophobic group visit him, and he engaged them. I didn’t see any reaction,” he said.

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Mr Asafo-Adjei Ayeh said the South African President’s response did not reflect the seriousness of the situation as viewed by many across the continent.

“I struggled to find the way he is seeing the issue from how other Africans are seeing it, and you could see how his conversation with the members of the group was not even anything to write home about,” he stated.

The lawmaker also questioned the response of South African authorities following the reported death of a Ghanaian citizen during recent unrest linked to anti-migrant tensions.

“Even after the death of the Ghanaian citizen after the riot, the response from the South African government…” he said, describing the developments as deeply concerning.

Mr Asafo-Adjei Ayeh said the incidents have heightened fears over the safety of Ghanaians and other African migrants living in South Africa.

His remarks come amid growing diplomatic discussions between Ghana and South Africa following the recent xenophobic attacks and the postponement of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proposed visit to Ghana.

The Government of Ghana has indicated that any future visit by the South African President will be reconsidered once tensions surrounding the attacks have eased.