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.
