The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Mahamoud Ali Youssouf has joined heads of states and governments to condemn in no uncertain terms the xenophobic attacks that mere meted out to Africans by South Africans.
In joining President Mahama to condemn the attacks on Wednesday, July 22,2026 after bilateral talks at the Presidency, H.E Youssouf said though It’s not only Ghanaians but also African citizens from many countries suffered the attacks, it is a big source of concern for the commission.
He said “We condemn that. We do not support that” he stressed
He called on South Africa to use appropriate legal frameworks to address their concerns if such concerns exist.
“If there are illegal migrants in South Africa they have to be handled through the proper channels of the law of the country” he emphasized
His excellency Ali Youssouf expressed disapproval over the unconcerned attitudes of the South African Authorities
“At the same time, we see that these people who are harassing the citizens are free to do whatever they want and that is terrible and very sad” he stressed
On his part, President John Mahama intimated that the trauma victims of the attacks have been subjected to will linger in their hearts and minds adding that though Ghana does not hold any malice against South Africa, the unwanted attacks is a set back for the drive for African
“For the countries that have been victims of these xenophobic attacks, it’s been very traumatic. When something like this happens, It sets all of us back. We lost two of our citizens and it doesn’t appear the South African authorities are responding to the magnitude that one is expecting them to do.” President Mahama empathized.
He added that the crimes cannot be swept under the carpet hinting that President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent a delegation to seek his audience to further discuss the matter
“I do think that AU should take an interest in this issue. Yesterday, President Ramaphosa sent a delegation to me and I explained the reason why it is important for us to discuss it. Sometimes these things happen and we want to sweep them under the carpet but when we do that we do not cure what the problem is” he hinted
Story by : Wisdom Hededzome
