ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – South Africa said the African Union has backed a broader discussion on migration and irregular movement across the continent rather than holding a separate debate focused solely on xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The issue emerged after Ghana proposed that attacks and violence against migrants in South Africa be placed on the agenda of an upcoming AU meeting. Ghana has been among the African countries that have strongly condemned attacks against African migrants living in South Africa.
Clayson Monyela, a senior official at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said Pretoria opposed what he described as an attempt to single out the country over the issue.
He said the AU preferred a wider discussion on migration, including the underlying factors that push people to leave their home countries and the conditions that attract them to destination countries.
“Migration is a continental issue that requires a comprehensive approach,” Monyela said, adding that discussions should examine both the causes and consequences of migration across Africa.
South Africa has faced a series of protests and incidents of violence targeting migrants in recent months, sparking concern among several African governments.
Ghana had earlier announced the repatriation of hundreds of its citizens from South Africa after anti-immigrant groups issued threats against undocumented foreigners and demanded that they leave the country.
Local media reports said the African Union did not accept Ghana’s proposal to hold a separate discussion on xenophobic attacks in South Africa during the bloc’s mid-year coordination meeting.
Neither South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation nor the Ghanaian government has issued an official statement on the reported AU decision.
Migration remains a major challenge across Africa, with economic hardship, conflict, unemployment and political instability among the factors driving millions of people to seek opportunities in other countries.
