Ramaphosa Appeals for Pan-African Unity on Migration
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on African nations to work together on migration and protect human rights, addressing the Pan-African Parliament on Monday, July 28. His appeal comes after weeks of anti-immigrant protests led by groups blaming undocumented migrants for unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services in South Africa. “We need to work together to address issues like conflict, instability, poverty and social discord,” Ramaphosa told the legislative body of the African Union.
Root Causes of Migration Must Be Addressed
Ramaphosa emphasized that African countries must acknowledge and address the conditions driving migration. “As African countries, we have to acknowledge and address the conditions that drive migration in the first place,” he said. The president highlighted that instability, economic hardship, and conflict across the continent force people to move, and a collective response is essential. South Africa has faced growing criticism from other African governments over attacks on their citizens, with at least four migrants killed in the violence, including a Nigerian national who died while under arrest in Cape Town.
Condemnation of Xenophobic Violence
Ramaphosa described the attacks as “sad and abhorrent,” stating that “we in South Africa deeply regret and mourn” the lives lost. He reaffirmed his government’s stance against hatred for people from other countries, xenophobia, or Afrophobia. “We’ve taken a firm stand against hatred for people from other countries, xenophobia or Afrophobia,” Ramaphosa said. His remarks aim to reassure African nations and stem the tide of voluntary repatriations.
Repatriation Efforts Underway
Thousands of African migrants have left South Africa over the past two months, with countries including Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi assisting in the voluntary repatriation of their citizens. The exodus reflects deep-seated tensions and the impact of the violence. Ramaphosa’s call for cooperation seeks to build a unified African response to migration, balancing security concerns with human rights protections. The Pan-African Parliament session underscored the urgency of addressing migration as a continental issue rather than a national one.
