Story perspectives

Ghana Urges AU Probe of South Africa Attacks on Citizens

5/7/2026

Summary

Ghana Seeks Probe

Ghana petitioned the African Union on May 7, 2026 for a fact-finding mission into attacks on its citizens in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said South Africa welcomes foreigners and rejected xenophobia claims.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa warned the attacks endanger African nationals, while Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Nigeria cautioned their citizens to stay alert.
At least 130 Nigerian nationals have sought repatriation from South Africa amid the tensions.

Summary

Ghana Demands Probe

Ghana petitioned the AU, alleging South Africa’s attacks on migrants breach the African Charter on Human Rights.
The petition says violence threatens African Continental Free Trade Area’s free-movement goal.
Ghana urges the AU to boost monitoring and start a mission into root causes.
Protest groups claim the unrest targets undocumented workers.
The UN has called on South Africa to address xenophobic incidents, while a video shows migrants being harassed.

Summary

Akpabio Leads Protest

Senate President Godswill Akpabio leads delegation to South Africa to protest xenophobic attacks.
Lawmakers urged revoking licences of South African firms MTN and DStv.
The House called for a suspension of trade, aviation and diplomatic ties pending safety guarantees.
As of May 3 2026, 130 Nigerian nationals registered for voluntary repatriation from South Africa.
Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Minister Ronald Lamola held a phone call agreeing to cooperate and protect Nigerians.

History

Historical Context

In September 2008 South Africa erupted in xenophobic riots that left 62 people dead. Similar outbreaks recurred in 2019 Durban and 2021 unrest, showing a pattern of anti-immigrant violence. Today Ghana’s foreign minister Samuel Ablakwa has asked the African Union to act, warning that such attacks jeopardize the African Continental Free Trade Area’s free-movement goals.

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Ghana Seeks Probe

Ghana petitioned the African Union on May 7, 2026 for a fact-finding mission into attacks on its citizens in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said South Africa welcomes foreigners and rejected xenophobia claims.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa warned the attacks endanger African nationals, while Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Nigeria cautioned their citizens to stay alert.
At least 130 Nigerian nationals have sought repatriation from South Africa amid the tensions.

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