Ghana confirms death of national in South Africa anti-immigration marches

The Ghanaian government has confirmed the death of a Ghanaian citizen, Bashiru Isak, 40, who was shot and killed during anti-immigration marches in Cape Town, South Africa. This incident brings the confirmed death toll from the protests to at least two and underscores a growing wave of xenophobia targeting African migrants in South Africa.

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation of the "senseless act of violence" and the "rising tide of xenophobia." The ministry demanded that South African authorities conduct a "thorough, transparent, and swift investigation" to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted. Ghana is also pursuing formal complaints with South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the South African Police Service.

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The Ghanaian government condemns, in the strongest terms, this senseless act of violence and the rising tide of xenophobia directed against African citizens, including Ghanaians, in South Africa.

This event follows a series of xenophobic attacks against African migrants in recent months. The anti-immigration groups that organized the marches on Tuesday have blamed migrants for South Africa's economic problems, poor public services, and high crime rates. They have also reportedly prevented migrants from accessing healthcare and education.

In response to the escalating violence, several African nations, including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and Mozambique, have repatriated hundreds of their citizens who feared for their safety. Ghana has been a vocal critic of the xenophobic violence, having previously urged the African Union to send an investigative mission to South Africa.

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Ghana demands that the South African authorities conduct a thorough, transparent, and swift investigation that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.