Ghana, Nigeria Seek AU Intervention Over ‘Afrophobic’ Protests in South Africa

Ghana and Nigeria have called on the African Union (AU) to take urgent action over what they describe as “Afrophobic protests” targeting African nationals in South Africa.

The two countries are seeking to have the issue discussed at the next AU summit after their foreign ministers held talks on the sidelines of the ECOWAS meeting in Liberia.

In a statement, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the protests undermine the principles of African unity, solidarity and regional integration promoted by the AU.

South Africa has historically attracted migrants from across Africa due to its stronger economy, but tensions over immigration have occasionally led to xenophobic attacks.

Recent protests and threats by anti-immigrant groups have forced thousands of foreign nationals to leave the country. Reports indicate that about 1,500 Nigerians and nearly 1,000 Ghanaians have been repatriated following calls for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.

Ghana and Nigeria are pushing for a coordinated regional response, including stronger AU measures such as early warning systems, monitoring mechanisms and preventive diplomacy to address similar incidents.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has announced plans to seek compensation from South Africa for properties and businesses reportedly abandoned by Nigerians who left the country.