“An Attack on Any African Is an Attack on All Africans” – Ahanta West MP Condemns Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, Hon. Mavis Kuukua Bissue, has condemned recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing them as unacceptable and contrary to the founding ideals of the African continent.

In a statement on the hostility directed at Africans living and working in South Africa, Hon. Bissue said the violence undermines shared African history. “The attacks and hostility directed at fellow Africans living and working in South Africa are not only unacceptable but also contrary to the ideals upon which our continent was built,” she stated.

“As Africans, we share a common history of struggle against oppression, colonialism, and apartheid. It is therefore deeply troubling that Africans should become targets of violence and discrimination in another African country simply because of their nationality.”

The MP recalled the solidarity African nations, including Ghana, showed South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. “Many African countries, including Ghana, stood firmly with the people of South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. We provided political, diplomatic, and moral support because we believed in the principle that the freedom of one African nation is tied to the freedom of all Africans,” she said.

“It is therefore painful to witness situations where citizens of other African countries are subjected to intimidation, assault, and economic exclusion.”

While acknowledging South Africa’s socio-economic challenges, Hon. Bissue stressed that violence against foreign nationals cannot be justified. “While we acknowledge the socio-economic challenges confronting South Africa, including unemployment, poverty, and inequality, these challenges cannot justify violence against foreign nationals,” she noted.

“The real issues require policy solutions, economic reforms, and stronger law enforcement, not scapegoating vulnerable people who are merely seeking livelihoods.”

Hon. Bissue warned that xenophobia threatens continental unity and integration. “Xenophobia threatens the spirit of Pan-Africanism and undermines regional integration efforts under the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area,” she said.

“We cannot speak of a united Africa while Africans are unable to live, work, and conduct business freely and safely across the continent.”

The Ahanta West MP called on South African authorities to act decisively. “I therefore call on the South African authorities to intensify efforts to protect all persons within their borders, ensure that perpetrators of xenophobic violence are brought to justice, and promote public education that fosters tolerance, coexistence, and African solidarity,” she urged.