President Ramaphosa Urges African Unity

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on African countries to work together to address migration challenges as his government faces increasing criticism over anti-migrant violence in parts of the country. 

Speaking at the Pan-African Parliament on Monday, Ramaphosa said migration was a shared continental issue that no African country could address alone. He urged governments to cooperate in tackling the underlying factors driving people to leave their home countries in search of better opportunities. 

The South African leader identified conflict, insecurity, poor governance, poverty, and social instability as key causes of migration across the continent. He said addressing these issues would reduce irregular migration while strengthening regional stability and economic development. 

His remarks come after weeks of anti-migrant protests in South Africa, where some groups have blamed undocumented migrants for crime, unemployment and pressure on public services. The demonstrations intensified after campaigners demanded that undocumented migrants leave the country by June 30. More than 160,000 foreign nationals have left South Africa over the past two months following the unrest. According to AFP, South African police have confirmed that at least four foreign nationals were killed during the violence, although some African governments believe the death toll may be higher. Ramaphosa condemned the attacks, describing them as “sad and abhorrent,” and reaffirmed his government’s opposition to xenophobia and Afrophobia. 

He said South Africa remained committed to protecting everyone living within its borders regardless of nationality. No new regional measures were announced during the address, but Ramaphosa urged continued cooperation among African nations to address migration and its root causes. 

SOURCE: AFP