Story perspectives

Ghana Evacuates 300 Citizens, Summons SA Ambassador Over Xenophobia

5/13/2026

Summary

Ghana Approves Evacuation

Ghana's president approved the evacuation of 300 citizens following xenophobic protests.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on X that Ghanaians had registered at the Pretoria embassy for evacuation.
The Ghanaian embassy in Durban warned its nationals to avoid gatherings and close shops ahead of Wednesday's protest.
Ghana summoned South Africa’s ambassador, wrote to the African Union, and said over three million foreigners—about 5% of the population—live in South Africa.

Summary

South Africa Evacuations

South African authorities said illegal immigration is a problem and pledged in April to crack down on xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Nigeria disclosed that at least 130 of its citizens have applied for evacuation flights from South Africa.
Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe issued travel advisories urging their nationals in South Africa to stay indoors and remain vigilant amid the violence.

Summary

Ramaphosa Tightens Borders

President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged tighter immigration controls and stricter border enforcement to quell domestic unrest.
Official unemployment remains high, with youth unemployment now exceeding 60 percent, which intensifies anti-migrant sentiment.
Officials allege many viral videos of attacks on foreigners were fabricated or mis-contextualised to stoke panic.
Experts warn the turmoil could erode Pan-African solidarity, isolating Pretoria and threatening regional trade pacts.

Summary

Lamola Meets Diplomats

Minister Ronald Lamola met Ghanaian and Nigerian diplomats in Pretoria to discuss the xenophobia crisis.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 27 April 2026 Freedom Day speech linked anti-xenophobia measures to historic anti-apartheid solidarity.
Ghana’s diplomatic letter called the attacks “undermining African solidarity” and recalled Africa’s support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation called Ghana’s AU petition regrettable but said it remained open to dialogue.

History

Historical Context

The 27 April 1994 election ended apartheid, giving all South Africans the vote and delivering a 62 % ANC victory that installed Nelson Mandela as president. Mandela’s government built a Government of National Unity and re-joined the UN, establishing a legacy of reconciliation. Today Cyril Ramaphosa cites that legacy while confronting xenophobic riots that threaten the continent-wide trade framework.

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Ghana Approves Evacuation

Ghana's president approved the evacuation of 300 citizens following xenophobic protests.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on X that Ghanaians had registered at the Pretoria embassy for evacuation.
The Ghanaian embassy in Durban warned its nationals to avoid gatherings and close shops ahead of Wednesday's protest.
Ghana summoned South Africa’s ambassador, wrote to the African Union, and said over three million foreigners—about 5% of the population—live in South Africa.

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