Tensions are rising across the continent. Faced with a surge in violence targeting migrants in South Africa, the Ghanaian government has officially appealed to the African Union (AU). Accra is demanding concrete and immediate measures to end a cycle of hatred that has plagued the country since the end of March 2026.

The AU called in to help

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Ghanaian diplomacy minced no words, expressing its "deep concern" over the repeated attacks. Ghana is requesting that this crisis be placed on the agenda of the next AU summit, scheduled for June 24-27 in Egypt .

Here are the main requests made by Accra:

1. Strengthening oversight: Increased monitoring of violations of the African Charter on Human Rights.
2. Mission of inquiry: The creation of a special commission to analyze the "root causes" of this persistent xenophobia.
3. Historical reminder: Ghana underlines the tragic irony of the situation, recalling that this violence contradicts the solidarity shown by African nations towards South Africa during apartheid.

The human toll is rising.

The security situation is dire. Officially presented as demonstrations against illegal immigration, these actions almost systematically escalate into indiscriminate violence against African nationals, without distinction of legal status.

1. Victims: At least seven deaths have been recorded to date.
2. Repatriations: Ghana already repatriated one victim last Tuesday.
3. Diplomacy under tension: The Ghanaian foreign minister summoned the South African representative in Accra to demand answers.

A continent-wide outrage

Ghana is not alone in this diplomatic rebellion. The shockwave is rippling across Africa:

Country	Measures taken
Nigeria	The South African ambassador was summoned and a parliamentary delegation was sent to Pretoria. More than 130 repatriation requests were registered.
Lesotho & Malawi	Official statements of concern and the establishment of emergency telephone lines for their nationals.

Did you know? South Africa officially hosts 2.8 million foreigners , the vast majority of whom come from neighbouring countries, such as Zimbabwe.

Despite assurances from Pretoria, which claims to have "taken careful note" of the protests, international pressure is mounting. The June summit in Egypt is shaping up to be a crucial test for the African Union's cohesion in the face of this humanitarian and political challenge.