Ramaphosa to send envoys abroad to tackle migration diplomacy

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to deploy envoys across Africa and the world to engage governments on migration. This diplomatic drive comes after discussions with Kenyan President William Ruto during a state visit, which underscored the increasing tension surrounding migration in South Africa's international relations.

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We also addressed the issue of migration facing South Africa, which is not unique to us but an issue faced by many countries.

The initiative marks a rare public acknowledgment of migration as a significant diplomatic issue, moving beyond its domestic implications. For years, South Africa has promoted African integration and free movement. However, concerns over illegal migration, recurrent anti-foreigner sentiment, and unease among African governments have exposed a gap between these ideals and political realities.

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I expressed to President Ruto that South Africans are not xenophobic.

Ramaphosa and Ruto emphasized deeper economic integration, easier movement of people, and stronger regional cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Despite these goals, migration remained a prominent topic. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola clarified that the challenge is "illegal migration," not xenophobia, stating that South Africans are welcoming people.

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There will be envoys going to African countries and around the world to address this migration issue we are facing.

The visit, intended to forge a strategic partnership between South Africa and Kenya, saw the signing of six memoranda of understanding. However, the leaders dedicated more attention to trade, investment, industrialization, and the barriers fragmenting African markets, reflecting the growing strategic importance of the relationship between Africa's most industrialized economy and Kenya's dynamic commercial hub.

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The challenge we are dealing with is illegal migration.