XENOPHOBIA IN SOUTH AFRICA: What can the AU do?

Ghana and Nigeria have escalated their concerns over xenophobia in South Africa by formally requesting the African Union (AU) to place the issue on its agenda. The two West African nations condemned the recent wave of xenophobic violence targeting their citizens, deeming the attacks unacceptable. They are urging the AU to address "afrophobia" at its upcoming summit in early 2027. This move signifies a breakdown in bilateral efforts to curb the persistent problem of xenophobia in South Africa. The article questions whether the AU can effectively intervene, given South Africa's status as a regional economic power and the AU's perceived impotence in previous instances. Despite decades of xenophobic violence that has resulted in numerous deaths and displaced thousands, South African authorities have been criticized for doing little to deter perpetrators, with very few cases leading to prosecution. The government's recent response, suggesting that countries of origin should do more to retain their citizens and that South Africa is merely enforcing its immigration laws, has been met with skepticism. This stance is viewed by some as a denial of the problem and highlights the challenges the AU faces in holding member states accountable, particularly concerning the violation of the AU Charter on the free movement of people.