The African Parliamentary Aides Association (AFPAA) has called on the African Union (AU) to urgently intervene in the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against foreign African nationals in South Africa, describing the development as a grave threat to African unity, regional peace and continental integration.
The association’s President, High Chief Barr. Emeka Nwala, made the appeal in a formal letter addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, expressing outrage over reports of attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
According to Nwala, the violence, which reportedly involved killings, intimidation, looting, vandalism and the destruction of businesses and properties belonging to foreign Africans, runs contrary to the principles upon which the African Union was established.
”The disturbing images and reports emerging from South Africa are not only heartbreaking but represent a direct assault on the ideals of African solidarity and brotherhood,” Nwala said.
The number one Aide in Africa noted that no African should become a victim of hatred or violence simply because he or she comes from another African country, warning that repeated xenophobic attacks undermine efforts toward economic integration, regional stability and the African Union’s vision of seamless movement of people and trade across the continent.
AFPAA urged the continental body to immediately engage the South African Government and, if necessary, convene consultations involving African Heads of State and Government to develop lasting measures to halt the recurring attacks.
The association also called on the AU to ensure that perpetrators are identified and prosecuted, victims adequately compensated, and effective security measures put in place to guarantee the safety and dignity of all law-abiding foreign nationals living in South Africa.
Nwala reminded South Africans that the country’s liberation from apartheid was achieved with the firm support of several African nations, particularly Nigeria, which provided financial assistance, diplomatic backing and sustained political advocacy during the anti-apartheid struggle.
He said those sacrifices were made in the spirit of African brotherhood and shared destiny, making the continued targeting of fellow Africans both unjustifiable and morally unacceptable.
The AFPAA President further observed that South African businesses and investors continue to enjoy significant commercial opportunities, investments and protection across many African countries without discrimination.
”It is therefore unacceptable for citizens of other African nations to be subjected to violence, intimidation and economic sabotage within South Africa,” he stated.
The association called on the South African Government to publicly condemn the attacks, restore law and order, prosecute those responsible without fear or favour, compensate victims for their losses and tender an unreserved apology to affected foreign nationals and the African continent.
Nwala warned that continued silence or inadequate responses from relevant authorities could embolden perpetrators and encourage further attacks.
”The African Union must rise to its responsibility by demonstrating principled leadership and ensuring that no African is treated as a foreigner in Africa,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the African Union would accord the matter the urgency it deserves in the collective interest of peace, justice, security, human dignity and the realization of the continent’s integration agenda.
The latest appeal adds to growing calls for stronger continental action against recurring xenophobic violence, which has continued to generate concern among governments, civil society organisations and regional stakeholders over its implications for Africa’s unity and economic development.
