Omanghana
Charles Asuako Owiredu, Member of Parliament for Abirem and former Ghana High Commissioner to South Africa, has called for a coordinated continental response from the African Union to address recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, Owiredu said traditional bilateral diplomacy and public condemnations are no longer enough to protect vulnerable foreign nationals living in South Africa. He argued that stronger and more united action is now needed across the continent.
According to Owiredu, statements from law enforcement condemning attacks are not sufficient if they are not followed by lasting solutions. He noted that similar incidents have occurred repeatedly over the years, showing that past responses have failed to stop the cycle of violence and intimidation.
He called for what he described as a united front involving the African Union, African governments, and the wider diplomatic community based in South Africa. Owiredu said a collective approach would send a stronger message and increase pressure on authorities to deal decisively with xenophobic acts.
The Ghanaian lawmaker also warned that such attacks damage relationships between African peoples and undermine the spirit of unity built by earlier generations of African leaders. He said the violence threatens the people-to-people connections that are essential for regional cooperation and integration.
Other panelists on the program supported his concerns. Kenneth Ashigbey said the African Union must speak firmly against xenophobia to prevent such incidents from causing the continent to move backward.
Owiredu’s remarks come after Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, formally protested to South African authorities and summoned the South African envoy on April 23. The action followed viral videos showing harassment and intimidation of foreign nationals.
Although South African authorities have promised to crack down on those responsible, Owiredu and other regional voices believe multilateral pressure is now necessary to ensure accountability and improve protection for all African citizens living across the continent.
The renewed calls for action highlight growing concern that xenophobic violence, if left unresolved, could harm African solidarity, economic cooperation, and the vision of a more united continent.
Source: Omanghana.com
