Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for urgent regional action from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in response to deadly attacks on West African citizens in the Sahel, escalating xenophobic violence in South Africa, and persistent barriers to free movement across the bloc. The statements were made in Ghana’s Parliament on February 14, 2026, highlighting a critical juncture for regional cooperation and citizen safety.
Regional Instability and Attacks in the Sahel
Afenyo-Markin detailed a harrowing attack on February 14, 2026, in Titao, northern Burkina Faso. Ghanaian tomato traders, vital to regional food supply chains, were ambushed by militants affiliated with Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin. The attackers reportedly separated the men, executed them, and set their vehicle ablaze.
Survivors were forced to bury the victims locally due to the extreme insecurity preventing officials from reaching the site. The victims were later mourned at the Techiman Central Market in Ghana, underscoring the human cost of such violence.
This incident exposes a significant structural risk: essential food trade routes traverse some of the world’s most volatile conflict zones, particularly the Liptako-Gourma region. This precarious situation threatens regional economic stability and the livelihoods of countless individuals.
Further compounding security concerns, Afenyo-Markin pointed to a major offensive in Mali on April 25, 2026. Described as the largest military operation since 2012, the attacks targeted multiple cities and reportedly resulted in the death of the country’s defense minister. In response to these escalating threats, Ghana has suspended the movement of traders along the Mali corridor.
Call for Civilian Protection and Accountability
In light of these violent incidents, Afenyo-Markin urged ECOWAS to establish a dedicated civilian protection framework. This framework would aim to safeguard traders and other workers operating in high-risk areas within the region.
He stressed the need for accountability, both from external actors perpetrating violence and from within the regional body itself, to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Condemnation of Xenophobic Violence in South Africa
The lawmaker also voiced strong condemnation of the rising xenophobic attacks in South Africa. African migrants, including citizens from Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia, have reportedly faced violence, looting, and displacement across various South African provinces.
Fatalities have been confirmed, with Nigerian nationals among the victims. Disturbing videos circulating online have documented assaults on foreign nationals, painting a grim picture of intolerance.
While acknowledging statements by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemning xenophobia and advocating for the rule of law, Afenyo-Markin argued that more decisive action is required. “Words do not arrest perpetrators,” he stated, calling for thorough investigations, arrests, and prosecutions to deter future violence.
Failure to Uphold Free Movement Protocol
Afenyo-Markin criticized ECOWAS for its failure to fully implement the 1979 Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. Despite provisions for visa-free travel, citizens frequently encounter harassment, extortion, and illegal checkpoints throughout the region.
He characterized these barriers as a “de facto tax on poverty,” disproportionately affecting ordinary citizens and hindering economic integration. This situation undermines the core principles of the regional bloc.
Furthermore, the slow pace of ratification for the African Union’s Free Movement Protocol, adopted in 2018, was also highlighted. Afenyo-Markin found this pace “incoherent” with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He argued that genuine trade integration is impossible without the free movement of people. As Ghana hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat, Afenyo-Markin urged the nation to expedite its ratification process, ideally before the previously stated 2027 target.
A Five-Point Plan for Action
To address these multifaceted challenges, Afenyo-Markin proposed a five-point plan. This includes establishing a special committee focused on the safety of ECOWAS citizens abroad, accelerating the ratification of the AU Free Movement Protocol, taking concrete action against illegal checkpoints, issuing a formal statement to South African authorities regarding xenophobia, and developing a regional agricultural resilience strategy.
Looking Ahead
The recent events and Afenyo-Markin’s address signal a critical moment for ECOWAS. The coming months will reveal whether the bloc can muster the political will to implement robust protection mechanisms for its citizens, dismantle internal barriers to movement, and effectively address the scourge of xenophobia. The success of the AfCFTA itself may hinge on the region’s ability to guarantee the safety and freedom of movement for its people, a fundamental prerequisite for true economic and social integration.
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