The African Union Commission (AUC) has called on South African authorities to ensure that concerns over undocumented migrants are addressed through legal processes rather than violence against African nationals.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said while every sovereign state has the right to enforce its immigration laws, such actions must be carried out within the framework of the law.
Speaking during an official visit to the Jubilee House on Wednesday, July 22, Mr Youssouf stressed that the Commission does not condone attacks on foreign nationals, regardless of their immigration status.
“If there are illegal migrants in South Africa, they have to be handled through the proper channels of the law of the country,” he said.
His comments come amid renewed reports of attacks on African nationals living in South Africa.
According to the AUC Chairperson, the violence extends beyond Ghanaians and affects citizens from several African countries.
“It is not only Ghanaians. African citizens from many countries are being targeted in South Africa. It is a big source of concern for the Commission,” he said.
Mr Youssouf expressed concern that those responsible for harassing and attacking foreign nationals appear to be acting with impunity.
“At the same time, we see that these people who are harassing the citizens are free to do whatever they want, and that is terrible and very sad,” he stated.
He reiterated the African Union’s opposition to xenophobic attacks and called for the protection of all African nationals living in South Africa, urging authorities to ensure that the rule of law prevails in addressing migration-related concerns.
