Mahama: Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa Hurt African Unity

President John Dramani Mahama has criticized recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, calling them a setback to Africa’s goals of unity, integration, and shared prosperity.

His remarks follow reports of attacks on Ghanaians and other African nationals in South Africa. The violence has led to the evacuation of about 300 Ghanaians.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, Mahama said the incidents weaken efforts to build stronger ties between African countries and drive continental development.

He stressed that Africa’s progress relies on cooperation, not isolation. “We’ve always pushed for African unity, and so it’s sad to see some of the things that are happening on the continent. There’s no way that any African country can achieve the kind of progress that it needs without working with other countries. We cannot achieve it in isolation,” he said.

Mahama said African nations must keep working together to grow their economies and develop. He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a key step toward free movement of people, goods, and services. “That is why we passed AfCFTA, so that our people can move freely among themselves,” he added.

He urged African countries to stay committed to unity and solidarity, saying stronger cooperation is needed to meet the continent’s development goals.

His comments come as Ghana continues to assist citizens affected by the unrest. Hundreds have already been evacuated through a government operation led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana’s mission in Pretoria.