Ghana Urges African Union to Address Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa at 2026 Summit

The Government of Ghana has formally requested the African Union (AU) to place the issue of xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa on the agenda of the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Regional Mechanisms (RMs), scheduled to take place from 24–27 June 2026 in El Alamein, Egypt.

In a strongly worded diplomatic communication dated 6 May 2026 and addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed “deep concern” over the recurring attacks against foreign African nationals residing in South Africa, describing the situation as a threat to African solidarity, continental integration, and the safety of African peoples across the continent.

The request comes at a significant moment as the African Union intensifies preparations for the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, which the Information and Communication Directorate (ICD) of the African Union Commission recently confirmed would be held in El Alamein, Egypt.

According to the AU calendar released on the AU website, the summit process will unfold as follows:

• 14 May – 4 June 2026: Fifty-Second (52nd) Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;
• 24–25 June 2026: Forty-Ninth (49th) Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in El Alamein, Egypt; and
• 27 June 2026: Eighth (8th) Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union and the RECs in El Alamein, Egypt.

Ghana Raises Alarm Over “Persistent Xenophobia”

In the letter, Ghana noted that repeated incidents of xenophobic violence in South Africa had resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of investments, and growing insecurity for African nationals living in the country.

“It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years,” the letter stated.

The Ghanaian government stressed that such developments are especially disturbing given Africa’s shared history of solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle and South Africa’s democratic transition.

While affirming respect for South Africa’s sovereignty and its responsibility to protect all persons within its territory, Ghana argued that the continued targeting of nationals from other African countries undermines the foundational values of the African Union.

According to the letter, the prevailing situation:

• Constitutes a clear violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
• Undermines the spirit of Pan-Africanism and African integration; and
• Runs contrary to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to facilitate free movement, reduce barriers, and foster a common African market.

Ghana Requests Concrete AU Action

Ghana is not merely seeking discussion of the issue, but concrete institutional intervention by the African Union.

The letter formally requests:

1. The inscription of xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting;
2. The strengthening of AU monitoring mechanisms to support Member States in upholding obligations under the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
3. The establishment of a fact-finding mission to examine the underlying causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and recommend remedial measures; and
4. The facilitation of dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, inclusion, integration, and renewed continental solidarity among African peoples.

The communication was copied to the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the African Union and Burundi’s Minister for Foreign Affairs in his capacity as Chair of the Council.

Issue Likely to Gain Continental Attention

The request places xenophobia and intra-African relations squarely within the broader agenda of continental integration and free movement discussions expected to dominate the El Alamein meetings.

The Mid-Year Coordination Meeting has increasingly become an important AU platform for assessing coordination between the African Union, RECs, and Member States on Agenda 2063 implementation, integration policies, governance, peace and security, and economic cooperation.

With the African Continental Free Trade Area entering deeper implementation phases and increasing calls for the operationalisation of free movement protocols, the issue of attacks against African migrants inside Member States could emerge as a major political and governance concern during the June meetings.

The Ghanaian intervention also signals growing frustration among some African states over repeated episodes of anti-foreigner violence in South Africa and the perceived inadequacy of continental responses.

Symbolic Appeal to Pan-African Unity

In one of the most politically symbolic sections of the letter, Ghana invoked the legacy of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, reminding the continent that Africa’s future depends on collective dignity and unity.

“As Ghana’s founder and renowned Pan-Africanist Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah consistently proclaimed, the full potential and emancipation of Africa can only be achieved when Africa unites,” the letter stated.

The letter concludes with a call for a collective African resolve “to ensure that no African is dehumanized on African soil.”

The development is expected to generate significant diplomatic and political attention ahead of the PRC and Executive Council meetings in Addis Ababa and El Alamein respectively, where agenda-setting discussions for the Mid-Year Coordination Meeting will take place.