South Africa Pushes Back Against Ghana’s AU Move On Xenophobia Debate

South Africa has strongly opposed Ghana’s decision to escalate concerns over alleged xenophobic attacks to the African Union, warning it could table a counter-agenda focused on governance failures and irregular migration across Africa. The diplomatic tension comes ahead of the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for June 24–27 in Cairo, where Ghana wants xenophobic violence against African nationals in South Africa formally debated.

In a statement issued Friday, South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation criticised Ghana’s decision to take the matter to the African Union despite what Pretoria described as ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Ronald Lamola had reportedly held discussions with his Ghanaian counterpart following recent anti-migrant protests and unrest in several South African cities. Pretoria said law enforcement agencies were instructed to respond swiftly after confrontations targeting immigrants, including African nationals, erupted earlier this month.

However, the South African government rejected social media claims alleging that Ghanaian and Nigerian nationals were killed during the violence.

“There is no credible evidence to draw this conclusion at this stage,” the statement said, warning against “manipulated footage and divisive narratives including fake videos.”

South Africa said that if the AU proceeds with Ghana’s proposal, Pretoria would seek to introduce its own discussion item focusing on the “push and pull factors of migration.” The proposed counter-agenda would reportedly include issues such as governance, democracy, rule of law, instability, and economic conditions in African countries that drive migration flows toward South Africa. The move is widely being interpreted as a direct response to criticism from African nations over recurring anti-immigrant tensions inside South Africa.

Ghana’s request to the AU was reportedly made in a letter signed by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on May 6, 2026. Accra argued that xenophobic violence against fellow Africans violates the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and undermines continental unity. Invoking the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana said Africa’s liberation and development depend on solidarity among African nations. The West African nation urged the AU to establish a fact-finding mission into the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa while strengthening monitoring systems and promoting reconciliation initiatives.

South Africa has recently experienced renewed anti-migrant protests in cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town. Protesters have demanded tighter border controls, mass deportations of undocumented migrants, and stricter enforcement against businesses employing illegal immigrants. Pretoria says the country hosts approximately three million migrants, with around 90 percent originating from elsewhere on the African continent. Authorities argue that unemployment, pressure on public services, and undocumented migration have contributed to growing tensions. Since April 2023, South Africa says it has deported approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants as part of intensified border enforcement measures.

Cyril Ramaphosa previously addressed the issue during Freedom Day commemorations on April 26, urging South Africans not to forget the support the continent gave during the anti-apartheid struggle.

“We did not walk alone into freedom,” Ramaphosa said. “It cannot be, and it must never be, that we trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible.”

Lamola echoed similar sentiments, saying migration challenges should be addressed through cooperation, lawful management, and continental solidarity rather than division.

South Africa xenophobia