Xenophobic violence in South Africa: Ghana urges African Union to act in 2027

Herz — World Desk · 23 July 2026 at 15:59 · 30s summary · 3 min read

What we know

Ghanaian President John Mahama called on the African Union (AU) on July 23, 2026, to place xenophobic violence in South Africa on the agenda of its next summit, scheduled for February 2027. The day before, on July 22, he had met with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, president of the African Union Commission — the executive secretariat of the organization, with functions comparable to those of the European Commission — on the sidelines of an AU health summit in Accra, according to France 24.

Youssouf acknowledged the "urgency" of placing this issue on the agenda. This is Ghana's second formal appeal: Accra had already called on the AU in May 2026 to debate this violence.

Violence and mass departures

South Africa has been shaken for several weeks by demonstrations and violence targeting immigrants, who are accused of taking jobs and resources from the country. More than 160,000 foreigners have left the country over the past two months, according to data provided by various countries and compiled by AFP.

Ghana's position

Mahama criticized the inaction of South African authorities, stating that those financing these attacks "are known and have been left free to continue acting as they wish." He did, however, emphasize that Accra bore "no animosity toward South Africa," presenting the appeal to the AU as a constructive forum for finding a lasting solution.

are known and have been left free to continue acting as they wish

— John Mahama, President of Ghana, regarding those financing xenophobic attacks

International Criminal Court complaint

Two Ghanaian citizens filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) for it to investigate "repeated xenophobic attacks" in South Africa. Pretoria called this move "opportunistic."

Diplomatic tensions between Accra and Pretoria

In early July 2026, Ghana postponed the planned visit of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to Accra following the death of a Ghanaian citizen. South African authorities stated that this death was not linked to the anti-migrant protests.

Timeline

1. Ghana submits first appeal to African Union to debate xenophobic violence in South Africa.