Ghanaian MP Dafeamekpor Calls for AU Early Warning System to Combat Xenophobic Violence in Africa

Ghanaian parliamentarian and Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, has called on the African Union (AU) to establish a continental early warning and response mechanism to address the growing threat of xenophobic violence across Africa.

Speaking before fellow members of the Pan-African Parliament, Dafeamekpor warned that recurring attacks against African migrants and foreign nationals pose a serious threat to continental integration, solidarity, and the aspirations of a united Africa. He argued that the continent can no longer afford to treat xenophobic violence as isolated incidents, stressing that in some instances it has evolved into organized intimidation targeting fellow Africans.

“The African continent cannot remain silent while anti-African violence evolves into organised intimidation,” Dafeamekpor stated, urging African leaders and institutions to move beyond expressions of concern and adopt concrete preventive measures.

Call for Continental Action

The Ghanaian lawmaker outlined a series of measures aimed at strengthening the protection of migrants and reinforcing the principles of African unity and free movement. His proposals include:

·       Adoption of a formal Pan-African Parliament resolution condemning xenophobic attacks across the continent.

·       Immediate investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of xenophobic violence.

·       Enhanced legal and institutional protections for migrants, refugees, and foreign African nationals.

·       Creation of an African Union Early Warning and Response Framework specifically focused on xenophobic violence.

·       Expanded economic cooperation and youth employment initiatives to address socio-economic grievances that often fuel anti-migrant sentiment.

The proposal for an AU early warning mechanism builds on existing continental conflict prevention structures, including the African Union’s Continental Early Warning System, which monitors emerging threats to peace and security. Dafeamekpor argued that xenophobic violence should now be recognized as a significant threat requiring dedicated monitoring, preventive diplomacy, and rapid response measures.

Growing Concern Over Xenophobic Attacks

Dafeamekpor’s intervention comes amid renewed continental debate over xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants. In recent months, Ghana has formally raised concerns with the African Union over recurring attacks against African nationals, describing the situation as a threat to African solidarity, regional integration, and the safety of citizens living and working across the continent.

The issue has increasingly attracted attention within African diplomatic and parliamentary circles, with calls for stronger continental action to address both the immediate security implications and the underlying socio-economic drivers of xenophobia.

Upholding the Vision of African Unity

In an impassioned conclusion, Dafeamekpor invoked the ideals of Africa’s liberation leaders and founding fathers, reminding parliamentarians that the continent’s struggle for independence was rooted in the principles of unity, solidarity, and shared destiny.

“Africa cannot preach unity in Addis Ababa while Africans bleed in African streets,” he declared.

He further challenged African leaders to demonstrate courage and collective responsibility in confronting xenophobia, warning that future generations would judge the continent by how it responded to hatred and division within its own borders.

“Future generations will ask whether Africa stood together when hatred rose within our own borders. Let our answer be courage over fear, unity over division, and justice over silence.”

As Africa advances the goals of Agenda 2063 and deeper continental integration through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, Dafeamekpor's call underscores a growing recognition that the success of African unity depends not only on economic cooperation but also on ensuring the safety, dignity, and equal treatment of Africans wherever they live on the continent.