Xenophobia: Ghana advises against non-essential travel to South Africa
The Government of Ghana has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals in parts of the country.
In a statement, the government expressed grave concern over the increasing attacks reportedly being carried out by groups presenting themselves as anti-immigrant vigilantes. The incidents have resulted in injuries, the closure, and takeover of businesses, looting, and the destruction of property belonging to African migrants.
The government said it has already taken a number of diplomatic and humanitarian measures in response to the situation, including lodging formal protests at the highest diplomatic level, summoning the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa in Accra, petitioning the African Union, and facilitating the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana hereby advises Ghanaian nationals to exercise extreme caution in their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice,” the statement said.
Ghanaians currently residing in South Africa have also been urged to remain in close contact with the Ghana High Commission to access consular assistance and receive timely updates regarding their safety.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad and indicated that it would continue to work with South African authorities to facilitate the safe evacuation of nationals who wish to return home.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities of the Republic of South Africa to facilitate the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals to ensure their safety,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Ghana has called on the South African government to take urgent steps to restore law and order and provide adequate security for African migrants and other targeted groups within its territory.
The government stressed that protecting African nationals and combating xenophobia are essential to promoting the ideals of Pan-Africanism and continental integration.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana wishes to call on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to provide adequate security for targeted groups of Africans in its territory and take measures to enforce law and order in the spirit of genuine Pan-Africanism and African integration,” the statement noted.
The latest advisory comes amid growing concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa following reports of attacks on businesses and communities owned by migrants from other African countries.
Source:Citinews