Where did this photo come from? Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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The government of Ghana is taking more action to raise the issue of attacks and harassment against African nationals in South Africa.
Over the past few days the country has moved a man inside the viral video of anti-immigrant protesters harassing bin de for my shop in Diepkloof, near Soweto, Johannesburg.
The government has petitioned the Africa Union (AU) to describe a wave of attacks on foreigners as xenophobia.
Anti-illegal immigration protest groups and the ODA Vigilant Society deny that they are now causing xenophobia, but say they are campaigning against undocumented foreigners who are collecting DIA jobs.
Protesters accused local authorities of neglect as South Africans struggle with unemployment.
Hundreds of young Pipo Bin Day protested for more than a week in Mthatha, Pretoria, Durban and Johannesburg to demand action against illegal immigrants.
Some contras condemn attacks on Africans, including Nigeria and Mozambique.
The United Nations (UN) has also expressed its displeasure, demanding that South African authorities deal with the increasing cases of attacks.
Where did this photo come from? Ihsan Hafizi/Anadolu via Getty Images
Dieu Gatz discusses Dia Mata for Dia coordination meeting in June
Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzato Abalakwa Bin, wrote to the AU asking South Africa to include the issue of xenophobic attacks on the agenda of the African Union's eighth mid-year coordination meeting, to be held from 24 to 27 June 2026.
In a statement, the minister said, “The topic of xenophobic attacks is a matter of concern for South Africa, which has led to loss of life and property in recent years.”
Ghana government says development
- Clear violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights signed up by South Africa
- They are undermining the spirit of integration and Pan-Africanism
- They are against the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promotes free movement, reduces barriers and promotes a common market that benefits all Africans.
De Contre now asked the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to consider some measures for the proposed African Union, he being on his way to Egypt for a mid-year coordination meeting at El Alamein.
- Include them in the agenda with rules of procedure
- Enhance DIA monitoring in the DAU to support Member States to respect DIA obligations under the Constitutive Act of the DAU and D Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
- Ask them to create a fact-finding mission to look inside the parenting factors causing xenophobic violence in South Africa, for which they suggest appropriate measures to the AU.
- Initiate dialogue and reconciliation to promote tolerance, inclusion, integration and unity among the African Pipo
Where did this photo come from? Ihsan Hafizi/Anadolu via Getty Images
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Confam says Ghana BIN has asked him to treat the matter as serious, which could affect relations between members of the African continent.
“Ghana believes that despite the painful legacy of slavery, colonialism and apartheid, Africa's future must be one of shared dignity, prosperity and mutual respect. We ensure that no African is dehumanized on top African soil.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria and Ghana have started taking steps to deport Indian nationals facing threats and harassment in South Africa back to their countries of origin.
About 150 Nigerians are already showing interest in Komot de Contri to South Africa as anti-illegal migrant protests continue in the cities.
'African citizens still face persecution in South Africa'
Several xenophobic attacks against foreigners have been recorded in South Africa by angry youths, who looted and burned shops owned by African immigrants in some cities.
In 2019, attacks also killed some African civilians, so Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia and Sierra Leone condemned the development at the time, calling it 'barbaric'.
To this day, African citizens face attacks, harassment and bullying in public places, schools and even workplaces.
Peter Odike, a Nigerian-South African man who has lived in South Africa for more than 20 years, told the BBC that his children have to face bullying from locals to go to school.
“So, I'm afraid, I have three children, and I bully them about school. Neither do I get any rest for them.”
Where did this photo come from? Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Peter, who has been living in South Africa since 2006, says that many migrants, including my family members, are afraid for their lives.
The father of three, married to a South African woman, runs a small shop selling shoes in Johannesburg.
He says businesses owned by foreigners do not close because of the attacks.
Peter Tok says police harass South African immigrants every day, even after receiving legal documents.
Peter said, “The business is over, it's not safe to stay here.”
Peter says: “The police harass Pipo every day, even if you have no problems, get documents. Once you don't look like a South African there are no problems for you.”
“Some Pipo, even when you show them the papers they ask you, 'Why are you here?' You have to go back.”
South African government says security agencies will investigate attacks but says country is xenophobic
The South African government initially condemned the attacks on African migrants in the viral video.
He told the citizens of Diya not to attack foreigners during the protests in Diya, but also said that Diya is not afraid of foreigners.
Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya says President Cyril Ramaphosa bin De expects law enforcement agencies to take action against violent protesters.
“The President of South Africa discussed his parentage with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo when I visited South Africa,” Oga Vincent Magwenya told a media briefing on Wednesday 6 May.
“Both presidents said that South Africans are not xenophobic, what is happening in some parts of the protests is legitimate according to our constitution.”
“The reality of immigration is stark, not only for South Africa but throughout the world. It is important to respect the rights of all protesters within our borders without harming anyone,” explains Vincent Magwenya.
I also want to say that the two Presidents will “work together to tackle the issues that cause excessive migration across the continent,” Gaetz said.
“Due to conflict, instability and issues of bad governance in some areas the Pipo are migrating and seeking refuge in different parts of the continent including South Africa.