Accra, Ghana – May 30, 2024 – Samuel Abu Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Damongo and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has called for decisive continental action from the African Union in response to the persistent xenophobic violence plaguing South Africa. Jinapor made these remarks on JoyNews’ Newsfile program, urging African leaders to consider escalating the issue to the AU while simultaneously advising against retaliatory measures targeting South Africans residing elsewhere on the continent. This appeal comes as Ghana actively works to evacuate its citizens caught in the recent unrest.
Context of Recurring Violence
South Africa has a documented history of xenophobic attacks, which periodically erupt, targeting foreign nationals. These incidents often result in violence, destruction of property, and significant strain on diplomatic relations between South Africa and other African nations. The current wave of tensions has reignited global concerns over the safety and well-being of migrants within the nation.
Ghana’s Evacuation Efforts
The Ghanaian government has intensified its efforts to bring its citizens home safely. Approximately 300 Ghanaians have already been evacuated from South Africa, with authorities confirming that more are expected to return in the coming days. This repatriation process highlights the severity of the situation on the ground for foreign nationals.
Calls for Stronger AU Intervention
Mr. Jinapor strongly condemned the ongoing attacks and implored South African authorities to take swift and decisive action against perpetrators. He questioned the effectiveness of existing measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the protection of foreign nationals.
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