Mahama Secures AU Commitment to Discuss Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa at Next Summit

President John Dramani Mahama has secured a commitment from African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to place the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa on the agenda of the next AU Summit.

The assurance came during bilateral talks on the sidelines of the AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra on Wednesday.

President Mahama told the AU Chairperson that while Ghana holds no ill will toward South Africa, the country cannot ignore the pain and losses suffered by Ghanaian citizens and other Africans caught up in the crisis.

“Sweeping the matter under the carpet will not resolve the root causes,” the President stressed. He added that bringing the issue before the AU gives South Africa a fair platform to respond and gives all member states a chance to find lasting solutions together.

The move follows Ghana’s decision to airlift its citizens home amid escalating violence in parts of South Africa, and a formal letter written to the AU Commission demanding action on the matter.

President Mahama reiterated that Africa’s strength lies in its unity, and said Ghana will continue to lead the charge for dialogue, solidarity, and solutions that protect African lives and investments across the continent.

The inclusion of the issue on the AU Summit agenda is expected to allow heads of state to deliberate on measures to prevent further attacks and strengthen the protection of Africans living and doing business in other AU member countries.

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