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Ghana summons South African envoy over harassment claims
Ghana has formally protested to South Africa after videos emerged showing vigilante groups targeting Ghanaian nationals and other African migrants in violent confrontations. The incidents have reignited concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Incidents spark diplomatic response
Ghana's foreign ministry called in South Africa's acting high commissioner, Thando Dalamba, on Thursday to lodge an official complaint. The ministry cited footage showing a group of South Africans aggressively questioning a Ghanaian man about his legal status, despite him presenting valid documents. The vigilantes dismissed the paperwork as fake and told him to "fix your country."
Ghanaian officials confirmed the man was in South Africa legally and condemned the incident as a violation of his rights and dignity.
Ghanaian officials offer support
Benjamin Quashie, Ghana's high commissioner to South Africa, met the victim to reassure him of diplomatic support. In a video shared by Ghana's High Commission, Quashie urged Ghanaian migrants to remain law-abiding while calling the situation "dire."
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also spoke with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, who pledged a full investigation and expressed sympathy for the victims.
South African authorities condemn vigilante actions
South Africa's acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, denounced the attacks, stating that no group or individual has the right to enforce laws independently. "Irrespective of grievances or frustrations, taking the law into your own hands is unacceptable," he said.
Root causes and migrant demographics
South Africa hosts approximately 2.4 million documented migrants, accounting for nearly 4% of its population. However, unofficial estimates suggest the number of undocumented migrants is significantly higher. Most come from neighboring countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho, historically supplying labor to South Africa's economy. A smaller contingent arrives from Nigeria and other West African nations.
Vigilante groups fuel tensions
Groups like Operation Dudula ("force out" in Zulu) and March on March blame migrants for social issues, including unemployment and drug abuse. Their protests in major cities have occasionally escalated into violence, targeting foreign-owned businesses and individuals.
This week, March on March led a demonstration in Durban, where participants were filmed assaulting a man they accused of being an illegal migrant.
Historical context of xenophobia
Xenophobic violence has flared periodically in South Africa, with deadly outbreaks in past years. Critics argue that economic inequality and high unemployment rates exacerbate hostility toward migrants, despite their contributions to the economy.
