Ghana Evacuates Citizens from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks
Ghana has begun evacuating its citizens from South Africa due to growing concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. The Ghanaian government has arranged a special chartered flight to evacuate its citizens, with the first group of 300 Ghanaians set to depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport on Thursday at 05h00.
The evacuation operation is being fully funded by the Government of Ghana, and citizens in need of assistance have been encouraged to contact the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria. This move comes after weeks of diplomatic tension between Ghana and South Africa, with Ghana raising concerns over repeated xenophobic attacks against African migrants.
Ghana and South Africa in Diplomatic Row
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Ablakwa, recently summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to formally communicate Ghana’s concerns over the attacks. Ghana’s Coordinating Director for Political and Economic Affairs, Harold Agyeman, expressed deep worry about the attacks, stating that “the African continent must be a space of unity and mutual respect.”
In response to the growing diplomatic row, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said his government had engaged several African countries, including Ghana, to calm tensions and reassure foreign nationals living in the country. Lamola emphasized that South Africa remained committed to protecting everyone living within its borders.
South Africa Rejects Online Claims of Killings
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation rejected online claims alleging that Ghanaian and Nigerian nationals had been killed during recent protests and law enforcement operations. According to the department, there is no credible evidence to support these claims.
Call for African Cooperation and Dialogue
South Africa urged African countries to use existing diplomatic structures to address migration-related tensions and develop early warning systems to prevent situations from escalating. Lamola emphasized South Africa’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, Ubuntu, and solidarity, highlighting the support many African nations gave during the anti-apartheid struggle.
The South African government acknowledged that migration pressures, unemployment, and frustrations over service delivery continue to fuel tensions between locals and foreign nationals. According to officials, South Africa hosts an estimated three million migrants, most of whom come from other African countries.
Immigration Policy Changes on the Cards
The government said it was reviewing immigration policies to better manage migration pressures and strengthen border controls. Measures being considered include a points-based visa system, upgrades to the national population register, and expanded deportation efforts led by the Border Management Authority.
