Source: Africa Publicity
President John Dramani Mahama has renewed Ghana’s call for the African Union (AU) to formally address the escalating xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, describing the situation as a threat to African unity and continental integration.
Speaking after bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra, Mahama said the issue had gained the attention of the AU Commission and would be considered for discussion at the next AU Summit.
“During bilateral talks on the sidelines of the AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra, I reiterated Ghana’s call for the African Union to formally address the escalating xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. 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 said.
Mahama disclosed that Ghana had already communicated its concerns directly to the South African government through a special envoy sent by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier in the week.
“In my meeting with a special envoy dispatched by President Cyril Ramaphosa to meet with me in Accra earlier in the week, I made Ghana’s position clear to the envoy. 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 stated.
According to the President, the continued attacks undermine the ideals upon which the African Union was founded.
“This undermines the very spirit of African solidarity and our collective efforts toward continental integration,” he said.
Mahama stressed that ignoring the issue would only worsen the problem, explaining that Ghana had formally written to the AU Commission to have the matter included on the agenda of the next summit.
“Sweeping this matter under the carpet will not resolve its root causes. That is why Ghana officially wrote to the AU Commission requesting that this issue be placed on the agenda for the next summit,” he noted.
He added that discussing the matter at the continental level would provide an opportunity for South Africa to present its position while allowing member states to jointly develop lasting solutions.
“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,” Mahama said.
The President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to promoting peace, unity and the protection of Africans across the continent.
“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.
