Ghana Summons South African Envoy Over Attacks on Foreign Nationals
Ghana has summoned South Africa's top envoy to the country in response to reported "acts of intimidation and harassment" targeting Ghanaian citizens and other African migrants residing in South Africa.
Earlier this week, videos circulated online depicting vigilante groups confronting and assaulting individuals they suspected of being in South Africa illegally. In one such video, a Ghanaian man is challenged about his immigration status.
Context of Xenophobic Violence in South Africa
Xenophobia has been a persistent issue in South Africa, occasionally erupting into violent incidents that have resulted in fatalities. Ghanaian officials have engaged with the man featured in the video to provide support and have encouraged Ghanaian nationals living abroad to remain "law-abiding."
Diplomatic Actions and Formal Protests
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana reported that it held discussions with South Africa's acting high commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba, during which a formal protest was lodged concerning recent xenophobic incidents against foreigners, including Ghanaian citizens.
The ministry referenced a video showing a group of South Africans interrogating a Ghanaian man, demanding to see his documentation. Even after the man presented his papers, the group questioned their authenticity and told him to "go and fix your country."
According to Ghana's foreign affairs ministry, the man is legally residing in South Africa.
"Such conduct undermines the dignity and rights of law-abiding citizens,"
the ministry stated in a release on Thursday.
Support from Ghana's High Commission and Officials
Ghana's High Commission in South Africa shared a video showing the top envoy, Benjamin Quashie, meeting with the man affected by the harassment.
"The situation is dire, we understand, [but] let's continue being law-abiding [and] respect the rules... of engagement as migrant citizens in this country,"
Quashie said.
Additionally, Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has communicated with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola. Lamola assured that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted and expressed sympathy for those impacted.
South African Government Response
South Africa's acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, condemned the attacks, emphasizing that:
"No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands, irrespective of grievances or frustrations."
Migration Statistics and Background
South Africa hosts approximately 2.4 million migrants, representing just under 4% of its population, according to official statistics. However, the actual number is believed to be higher due to undocumented migrants.
The majority of migrants come from neighboring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, which have historically supplied migrant labor to South Africa. A smaller portion of migrants originates from Nigeria.
For more news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com.
on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa, or on Instagram at bbcafrica.
