South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need for African nations to collaborate in promoting lawful and orderly migration while tackling the root causes prompting people to leave their homelands. Speaking at the Pan-African Parliament’s session in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa condemned the mistreatment and violence against foreign nationals in South Africa, attributing these incidents to misinformation and bias. He highlighted the importance of managing migration in a manner that respects human rights, international agreements, and social harmony.
Ramaphosa underscored the South African government’s commitment to combating intimidation, vigilantism, and violence targeting foreign nationals. He stressed the significance of implementing immigration policies that are both firm and fair, emphasizing the protection of human dignity and adherence to the rule of law. The President called for a collective effort among African nations to address the driving forces behind migration, such as conflict, governance issues, poverty, and social unrest, advocating for peacebuilding, improved governance, and enhanced economic prospects across the continent.
United Nations resident coordinator in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, highlighted the historical significance of human mobility in Africa’s development. He emphasized that challenges related to migration and displacement require solutions based on sound public policies, regional collaboration, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law. Muffuh cautioned against addressing these issues through stigma, exclusion, or vigilantism, emphasizing the importance of a holistic and law-based approach to migration management.
Recent months have witnessed a surge in attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, leading to the forced closure of migrant-owned businesses and loss of lives in violent incidents.
