The Ghanaian government has warned its citizens against traveling to South Africa due to escalating xenophobic violence targeting African immigrants. This advisory, released on Monday, represents the latest measure in Ghana's efforts to protect its nationals. It follows the repatriation of approximately 300 Ghanaians last week and the government's job initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities for returnees.
Travel Advisory Details
Ghana's advisory urged citizens to suspend all non-essential travel to South Africa, noting that African immigrants in parts of the country continue to face physical assault and harassment despite widespread public condemnation. Groups identifying as "anti-immigrant vigilantes" have been carrying out violent xenophobic attacks, resulting in injuries, business closures, looting, and property loss.
Government Response
The Ghanaian government stated that these attacks persist despite numerous steps taken by the Mahama administration, including formal protests at the highest diplomatic levels, summoning the South African Acting High Commissioner in Accra, petitioning the African Union, and evacuating nationals. According to Ghanaian authorities, these attacks contradict the Pan-African ideals of unity and solidarity.
Ghana became the first African country to organize evacuations due to xenophobia, repatriating around 300 citizens from Johannesburg to Accra last week. A second chartered flight is expected to evacuate more Ghanaians in the coming days.
Regional Reactions
The latest wave of violence has triggered reactions across Africa and strained diplomatic relations. Ghana has written to the African Union, demanding that xenophobic attacks be added to the agenda of the upcoming AU summit. The Nigerian government is also planning a repatriation exercise, though the trip to Abuja will be self-funded. So far, about 300 Nigerians have expressed interest in returning, according to the foreign affairs ministry.
Nigeria summoned the South African High Commissioner in Abuja and demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians killed by Pretoria's security operatives last month. Kenya has also issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to take safety precautions and avoid areas hostile to African immigrants.
Advice for Remaining Nationals
In its statement, Ghana urged citizens remaining in South Africa to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential travel until further notice. It advised them to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular services. Ghana also called on the South African government to provide adequate security for targeted groups of Africans and enforce law and order in the spirit of Pan-Africanism and integration.
Nigeria Police Warning
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has warned Nigerians against reprisal attacks amid the tension. In a statement, the NPF assured that the government is actively engaging relevant authorities through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels to resolve the situation. It declared that there is no cause for alarm and that reprisal attacks against any South African in Nigeria are not allowed. The NPF warned that any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests will be treated as a criminal act. It also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified or inciting information, especially on social media.
