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Ghana Summons SA Envoy Over Migrant Harassment
24 Apr
Summary
- Ghana protested alleged harassment of its citizens in South Africa.
- Videos showed vigilante groups confronting and questioning African migrants.
- South Africa's minister promised a full investigation into the incidents.
Ghana has formally protested alleged xenophobic incidents against its citizens and other African migrants in South Africa. The West African nation summoned Thando Dalamba, South Africa's acting high commissioner, to express its grievances.
This action follows the circulation of videos showing vigilante groups confronting and questioning individuals, purportedly for being in the country illegally. One video depicted South Africans challenging a Ghanaian national, demanding to see his documents and questioning their authenticity, even after he provided proof of legal status.
Ghana's foreign affairs ministry stated that such conduct violates the dignity and rights of law-abiding citizens. The Ghanaian High Commission in South Africa met with the man featured in the video to offer support. The country's Foreign Affairs Minister also spoke with his South African counterpart, who pledged a thorough investigation and expressed sympathy.
South Africa's acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, condemned these acts, emphasizing that no individual or group is authorized to dispense justice outside legal channels, regardless of any grievances. South Africa hosts approximately 2.4 million documented migrants, with a significant number also residing unofficially, primarily from neighboring countries.
