Ghana has renewed its call for the African Union (AU) to hold a formal debate on the wave of anti-migrant violence in South Africa, warning that the crisis threatens African unity and regional integration.

According to Channels Television, Ghanaian President John Mahama said the issue should be placed on the AU agenda to enable member states to work collectively towards a lasting solution.

South Africa has witnessed weeks of unrest targeting both documented and undocumented migrants, who have been accused by some groups of taking jobs and public resources. Reports indicate that more than 160,000 foreign nationals have left the country in the past two months, while several people have died amid the violence.

Mahama said AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf had acknowledged the urgency of discussing the crisis at the bloc’s next summit scheduled for February 2027.

Speaking on the sidelines of an AU meeting in Accra, Mahama expressed concern over what he described as an inadequate response by South African authorities.

> “The persons who are funding these xenophobic attacks are known and they have been left free to continue to do what they want to do,” he said.

He warned that the continued attacks could undermine decades of efforts towards African solidarity and continental integration.

Youssouf also described the violence as a major concern for the AU, noting that South Africa had previously assured the commission that undocumented migrants would be handled through lawful procedures. However, he said those responsible for harassing fellow Africans appeared to be operating without consequence.

At the weekend, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) backed Ghana’s proposal for an AU debate, condemning what it described as the “despicable treatment” of West African citizens in South Africa.

The renewed diplomatic pressure comes after two Ghanaians submitted a petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC), alleging that South African authorities failed to prevent repeated xenophobic attacks and protect foreign nationals. Pretoria has rejected the petition, insisting it has laws to prosecute hate crimes and hate speech.

Earlier this month, Ghana postponed a planned visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over concerns that the unrest would overshadow bilateral discussions. Ramaphosa later dispatched Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola to meet Mahama in Accra.

Mahama said Ghana harbours “no ill will” towards South Africa but remains deeply concerned about the attacks and the financial losses suffered by African migrants affected by the violence.