Xenophobia in South Africa: What Can the AU Do?

Xenophobia in South Africa is escalating into a major concern, prompting Ghana and Nigeria to jointly appeal to the African Union (AU) for action. The two West African nations have condemned the ongoing xenophobic violence targeting their citizens in South Africa and are urging the AU to place "afrophobia" on the agenda of its upcoming summit in early 2027.

This move signifies a breakdown in bilateral efforts to address the persistent issue. Both Ghana and Nigeria assert that their citizens are facing unacceptable violence, and that accusing migrants of all societal ills and subjecting them to "manhunts" has crossed a critical line. They argue that South African authorities appear complicit, with little action taken to prosecute perpetrators despite decades of violence that has resulted in hundreds of deaths.

The article expresses skepticism about the AU's capacity to effectively challenge South Africa, a regional economic powerhouse. Despite repeated violations of the AU's Charter on the free movement of people, residence, and establishment, the continental body has historically been perceived as powerless against the larger nation.

South African authorities, rather than acknowledging the problem, have deflected blame. The Ramaphosa government suggests that migrants' home countries are failing to retain their citizens and that South Africa is merely enforcing its immigration laws. This stance, described as denial, leaves the AU in a difficult position, raising questions about whether the organization can overcome its perceived impotence and take a meaningful resolution against South Africa.