from RUSSELL ADADEVOH in Accra, Ghana
Ghana Bureau
ACCRA, (CAJ News) – GHANA has summoned South Africa’s top envoy to condemn ongoing attacks, described as xenophobic, in that country.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed summoning South African High Commissioner, Thando Dalamba, on Thursday.
“At the meeting, I conveyed the Government of Ghana’s strong condemnation of the continuous xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians and other Africans living in South Africa,” he said.
Several anti-foreigner protests have occurred in South Africa, primarily in Durban and East London recently. Such incidents are also common in Johannesburg.
Protests organised by movements such as March and March and Operation Dudula usually target foreign shop owners, while people suspected of being foreign nationals are unlawfully asked to produce their documents.
Some of these demonstrations have turned violent, resulting in assaults, looting of shops and vehicles being set alight.
Anti-migrant groups have reportedly planned a so-called national shutdown for May 4.
Ablakwa has urged the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene.
“We are urging South African authorities to take decisive action in protecting the human rights and dignity of our nationals and all Africans,” the minister said.
“Ghana equally expects that the promised investigations be expedited and all perpetrators punished to serve as an adequate deterrent,” he added.
During the State of the Nation Address in February, Ramaphosa warned against xenophobia and vigilante attacks targeting foreign nationals.
“We will not tolerate violence and other acts of lawlessness directed at foreign nationals,” the president said.
As the government struggles to create jobs and address service delivery challenges, some South Africans have vented their anger at fellow African nationals.
They have also accused foreign nationals of committing crime.
Since last year, some vigilante groups have denied African nationals access to health facilities and schools.
This week, Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, warned against the rising trend of civilian-led crackdowns on immigration.
He also leads a national task team targeting organised crime across South Africa.
– CAJ News