Ghana president John Dramani Mahama has secured a commitment from African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to place the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the next AU Summit.
The commitment was made during bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra, where President Mahama called for urgent continental action to address the recurring violence targeting foreign nationals.
Mahama said in a statement that Ghana’s concerns are not directed against South Africa but stem from the need to protect African citizens and prevent further loss of lives and property.
“Sweeping the matter under the carpet will not resolve the root causes,” the President said, adding that discussing the issue at the AU Summit would provide South Africa with an opportunity to respond while allowing member states to collectively develop lasting solutions.
This move was made shortly after the incident when the Ghanaian government has had to take some of its nationals from the host country South Africa in one plane load due to the violence that has risen again, and then they officially asked for the intervention of AU through its Commission.
Mahama once again stressed that only through mutual cooperation, Africa’s strength will remain undiminished, Because of this requesting Member States cooperation to preserve all forms of life, investments, and other rights of Africans scattered in different countries.
The African Union Summit will act as an opportunity for Africa’s nations to brainstorm and suggest solutions and policies which if applied will reduce racism while fostering a friendly and peaceful way of living for all in this continent.
