The Government of Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to place the recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the continental body.
The request was contained in a letter dated May 6, 2026, signed by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa.
According to the letter, Ghana wants the matter treated as “a matter of urgent continental interest” during the AU meeting scheduled to be held in El Alamein from June 24 to June 27, 2026.
The Ghanaian government expressed deep concern over the continued xenophobic incidents in South Africa, stating that the attacks have led to loss of lives, destruction of businesses and investments, as well as threats to the safety and well-being of many African nationals residing in the country.
“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” portions of the letter stated.
According to the government, the recurring violence undermines the principles of African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity which the African Union and the broader Pan-African movement seek to promote.
Ghana further argued that the attacks violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and run contrary to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to encourage free movement, remove barriers to trade, and strengthen economic integration across the continent.
As part of its recommendations, Ghana called on the AU to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure member states comply with their obligations under the AU Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The government also proposed the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and recommend appropriate interventions to the continental body.
Additionally, Ghana urged the AU to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion, integration, and renewed commitment to continental unity among African citizens.
The letter stressed that despite Africa’s painful history of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid, the continent’s future must be anchored on shared dignity, mutual respect, and collective prosperity.
