A member of the communications team of the New Patriotic Party, Jesse Jakes, is calling on the African Union to take immediate action following disturbing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Reacting to a viral video showing the assault of foreign nationals, Jesse Jakes, speaking on the AM Club, described the incident as unacceptable and deeply troubling.
“The story of South Africa can not be told without mentioning Ghana. This attack should not have happened in the first place,” he stressed, condemning the actions captured in the footage which has sparked outrage across social media.
He is also calling on the South African government to swiftly arrest individuals identified in the viral video, insisting that accountability is key to preventing further attacks.
According to him, failure to act decisively could worsen tensions and put more foreign nationals at risk, especially at a time when unity across the African continent is needed.
The incident has reignited concerns about recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals have often been targeted during periods of economic and social strain.
Jesse Jakes further emphasized the need for a continental response, urging the African Union to go beyond condemnation and ensure that member states uphold the safety, rights and dignity of all Africans.
“The African Union should step into the issue. They must address and condemn the issue and if there are any disciplinary actions, it should be executed on the perpetrators of the attack” he noted.
As pressure mounts, many are looking to both South African authorities and the African Union to respond decisively to the growing concerns.
