In a diplomatic letter dated May 6, 2026, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed deep concern over the recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have resulted in deaths, destruction of investments, and growing insecurity for African nationals living in the country.
The Government of Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union (AU) Commission to place the issue of xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union scheduled to hold from June 24 to 27, 2026, in El Alamein.
In a diplomatic letter dated May 6, 2026, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed deep concern over the recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have resulted in deaths, destruction of investments, and growing insecurity for African nationals living in the country.
The letter, addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, stated that the persistent attacks against fellow Africans undermine the principles of African solidarity and continental unity.
“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” the Ghanaian government stated.
According to Okudzeto, the continued violence is especially disturbing considering the support African nations gave South Africa during the struggle against apartheid and the country’s eventual democratic transition.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereignty and its responsibility to protect all persons within its territory, Ghana argued that the targeting of African nationals poses a serious challenge to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and brotherhood promoted by the African Union.
The Ghanaian government said the situation constitutes a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, undermines continental integration efforts, and contradicts the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to encourage free movement and economic cooperation across Africa.
Ghana, therefore, requested the African Union to formally inscribe the issue on the summit agenda and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure member states comply with their obligations under the African Union’s constitutive framework and human rights commitments.
Ghana particularly requested, “The inscription of this matter on the agenda of the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in accordance with the rules of procedure.
“The strengthening of African Union monitoring mechanisms to support Member States in upholding their obligations under the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“The establishment of a fact-finding mission to examine the underlying causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and to recommend appropriate remedial interventions to the African Union.
“The facilitation of dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion, integration, and renewed commitment to continental unity among African peoples.”
Okudzeto stated that the Government of Ghana firmly believes that, notwithstanding the painful legacy of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid, Africa’s future is one of shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect.
Referencing Ghana’s founding leader, Kwame Nkrumah, the government added that “the full potential and emancipation of Africa can only be achieved when Africa unites.”
“That aspiration begins with a collective resolve to ensure that no African is dehumanised on African soil,” the letter added.