Mahama calls for AU action on Xenophobic attacks in South Africa
Accra, July 23, 2026 —
President John Dramani Mahama has urged the African Union to formally address the rising xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, saying the violence undermines continental unity and economic integration.
Speaking during bilateral talks on the sidelines of the AU Extraordinary Health Summit in Accra, the President said Ghana had written officially to the AU Commission requesting that the issue be placed on the agenda for the next AU Summit.
“I reiterated Ghana’s call for the African Union to formally address the escalating xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa,” President Mahama stated. “I am pleased that AU Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has acknowledged the urgent need to table this matter for discussion at the next AU Summit.”
The President disclosed that earlier in the week he met with a special envoy dispatched by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Accra. He said he used the meeting to convey Ghana’s position clearly.
“We do not harbour ill will toward South Africa. However, we remain deeply concerned about the attacks and the significant capital losses suffered by people from various countries on the continent,” he said.
President Mahama noted that the attacks target traders, students, professionals and investors from across Africa, and that the destruction of businesses and property sets back efforts to build a single African market.
“This undermines the very spirit of African solidarity and our collective efforts toward continental integration,” he said. “Sweeping this matter under the carpet will not resolve its root causes.”
He argued that placing the issue on the AU agenda would provide South Africa a formal and constructive platform to share its perspective, while allowing the continent to work collectively toward a lasting solution.
“Placing this on the AU agenda gives South Africa a formal, constructive platform to share its perspective, and together, as a continent, work toward a lasting solution,” the President said.
The President emphasized that African unity must translate into protection for all Africans wherever they live and do business on the continent. He said Ghana remains committed to working with all AU member states to find solutions that safeguard human dignity and investments.
“Let us remember that our strength as a continent lies in our unity. Ghana remains committed to working with all AU member states to find lasting solutions that protect the dignity, safety, and investments of every African, everywhere on our continent,” he added.
The AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra continues through Saturday, with leaders expected to deliberate on health financing and regional cooperation. The inclusion of xenophobia on the next summit’s agenda is expected to trigger broader discussions on migration, trade, and citizen protection under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
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