Agbies writes to Pan-African Parliament to take action on xenophobic attacks in South Africa

In a letter to the PAP president in Johannesburg, Agbiez condemned the violence as a “serious attack on Pan-African solidarity, unity and human dignity”. He warned that repeated incidents of bullying, discrimination and violence undermine decades of efforts toward continental integration.

Agbies highlighted the devastating impact of the attacks, including loss of lives, destruction of businesses, displacement of families and widespread trauma.

He stressed that xenophobic violence threatens the vision of a united Africa and undermines trust in institutions designed to promote free movement and cooperation.

The lawmaker urged the PAP to strongly condemn xenophobic violence and called on the AU Commission to engage directly with the South African government to ensure the safety of African citizens.

They also recommended monitoring mechanisms, accountability for perpetrators, continent-wide tolerance campaigns, and rehabilitation programs for victims.

“The protection of African nationals abroad is not just a bilateral matter; it is a pan-African imperative,” Egbese said, outlining seven key actions for the PAP and the AU, including prosecuting perpetrators, support for victims and reaffirming Africans' rights to dignity and equality.

He concluded with a warning that xenophobia is incompatible with Africa's aspirations for unity: “An injury to an African is an injury to Africa itself.”