By Leo Nelson
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has strongly condemned the resurgence of xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, describing the violence as “a painful betrayal of African solidarity and unity.”
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points news analysis program on Saturday, Ablakwa said the attacks, which have targeted African migrants including Ghanaians, undermine the very ideals upon which the continent’s liberation and cooperation were built.
“This is not just an attack on foreigners; it is an attack on the spirit of Pan-Africanism. It is unacceptable that Africans would turn on fellow Africans in such a brutal manner,” he stated.
The Foreign Minister urged the South African authorities to act swiftly and decisively to protect all residents, regardless of nationality, and to bring perpetrators to justice, emphasizing that failure to do so could erode trust and strain diplomatic relations across the continent.
Ablakwa also called on the African Union to take a more proactive stance in addressing recurring xenophobic violence, noting that repeated incidents in Africa’s most industrialized nation demand a coordinated continental response.
“There must be consequences. Silence or inaction only emboldens those who perpetuate these acts,” he added.
The Minister said the Government of Ghana was intensifying diplomatic engagement with South Africa to ensure the safety of Ghanaian citizens living and working there.
He stressed that there would be stronger consular support and emergency response mechanisms to protect Ghanaian nationals in times of crisis.
Xenophobic violence in South Africa has flared intermittently over the years, often driven by tensions over jobs, crime and economic hardship.
However, critics argue that political rhetoric and weak enforcement have contributed to the persistence of such attacks.
Ablakwa concluded by urging African leaders to recommit to the ideals of unity, tolerance and mutual respect, warning that continued divisions could hinder the continent’s progress.
“Africa must stand together. Our strength lies in our unity, not in division,” he said.