Former President John Dramani Mahama has called on the African Union (AU) to take a more proactive role in addressing recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Ghana has incurred significant financial costs, including an estimated GHS 2.4 million for charter flights, to evacuate its citizens from the country. Mr. Mahama warned that this violence poses a serious threat to African unity, integration, and solidarity.
Speaking during a meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, at the Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, July 22, Mr. Mahama stated the issue could no longer be overlooked. He cited the substantial financial and humanitarian burden Ghana has borne in evacuating its citizens. The cost for three charter flights alone is estimated at GHS 1.2 million, with another three planned for the remaining 900 citizens. This brings the total estimated flight cost to GHS 2.4 million, excluding reintegration fees and allowances.
This situation underscores broader challenges to regional cooperation and economic integration within Africa. Xenophobic attacks disrupt trade, investment, and the free movement of people, which are foundational to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Ghana, a key proponent of AfCFTA, views such incidents as detrimental to the continent's economic aspirations. The repeated need for evacuations diverts public funds that could otherwise be used for domestic development projects.
Mr. Mahama stated, "At a very high cost to us, we had to charter planes to go to South Africa to evacuate our citizens. We operated three charter flights, and we are operating another three because there are still about 900 who have signed up to come back home. We've had to pay them reintegration fees and allowances." He added, "I think that the AU should take an interest in this issue because it has the potential to wreck everything that we have worked for in terms of African integration and solidarity."
The former President described the attacks as deeply traumatic for the affected countries. He criticized what he considered an inadequate response from the South African authorities. Mr. Mahama noted that two Ghanaian citizens had been killed in the attacks. He expressed concern that those fanning the attacks are known but have been allowed to act with impunity. This lack of accountability could embolden further violence.
Mr. Mahama disclosed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had recently sent a delegation to Ghana to discuss the situation. Ghana's decision to raise the matter aims to encourage accountability rather than undermine bilateral relations. The AU is expected to discuss this issue at its next meeting, potentially leading to stronger continental mechanisms for addressing xenophobia. Member states will watch for concrete actions and policy changes from the AU to protect African citizens across the continent.