JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — South Africa’s government has taken a step toward mending its strained relationship with Ghana, deploying a special envoy to engage in dialogue over recent xenophobic attacks and business disruptions. This diplomatic mission, as confirmed by South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, is the latest in a series of efforts to address the escalating tensions between the two nations.
In a meeting with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama during the African Union Extraordinary Summit in Accra, the envoy conveyed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by Ghana. President Mahama emphasized that while Ghana does not harbor hostility toward South Africa, it is deeply troubled by the recurring attacks on foreign nationals and the destruction of African-owned businesses in South Africa. Responding to these concerns, Pandor stated that South Africa categorically rejects xenophobia, racism, homophobia, and violence in all forms and is dedicated to upholding the rule of law.
She also highlighted the government’s support for safe, regular, and orderly migration across Africa while acknowledging the need to address the root causes of irregular migration.
The diplomatic engagement follows weeks of tension after Ghana postponed planned bilateral engagements with South Africa, including a scheduled visit by President Ramaphosa, in response to the ongoing xenophobic attacks. This decision marked a significant diplomatic response by an African country to South Africa’s recurring outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence.
In addition to bilateral discussions, President Mahama announced that Ghana has formally requested the African Union to place the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the next AU Summit. This move is seen as an effort to create a formal platform for all member states to address a challenge affecting continental integration and to provide South Africa with an opportunity to share its perspective on the matter.
The latest developments underscore the evolving nature of xenophobic violence from a domestic security issue to a broader diplomatic concern for the continent.
As countries push for deeper economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the safety of African migrants, entrepreneurs, and investors has become increasingly important for building confidence in cross-border trade and investment. Whether South Africa’s diplomatic outreach will be sufficient to ease tensions remains to be seen.
The outcome of the next African Union Summit and the continent’s leaders’response to the issue could provide clarity on the future of relations between South Africa and Ghana.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Solomon Ekanem
