The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has reaffirmed SA’s commitment to Pan-African solidarity, the rule of law and continental engagement on migration following the final communiqué of the 69th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government.
DIRCO said SA regards ECOWAS as an important pillar of continental integration and remains committed to “open, constructive, and action-oriented dialogue” with ECOWAS member states on regional stability and migration management.
The statement comes amid heightened concern from some West African countries over the treatment of foreign nationals in SA, including recent tensions involving Ghana and Nigeria.
DIRCO said SA rejects all forms of prejudice and discrimination. “SA reiterates, in the strongest terms, its unyielding stance against all forms of social prejudice. We categorically reject xenophobia, racism, homophobia, and intolerance and discrimination in all their manifestations,” DIRCO said.
The department said protecting the dignity of all people within SA’s borders remains both a constitutional obligation and a moral duty.
DIRCO added that SA remains committed to enforcing the law and ensuring accountability for violence or unlawful conduct. “SA remains steadfast in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that those who perpetrate violence or unlawful acts are held fully accountable under our judicial system,” DIRCO said.
While SA continues to engage West African partners on specific bilateral matters, DIRCO said the country’s highest-volume migration dynamics remain concentrated within the Southern African Development Community.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola welcomed the possibility of migration being discussed at African Union (AU) Heads of State level. “Establishing a dedicated agenda item at the AU to address the primary push-and-pull factors and root causes of irregular migration, focusing squarely on good governance, democracy, and economic stability, will enable a pragmatic, comprehensive approach to continental migration challenges,” Lamola said.
DIRCO also rejected a petition submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by two Ghanaian civilians over alleged xenophobic attacks in SA.
The department said the filing does not meet the legal requirements needed for ICC action.
DIRCO said SA has confidence in domestic legal mechanisms, including the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, which provides for the prosecution of hate crimes, hate speech, xenophobia and related intolerance.
–ChannelAfrica–
