United Cadres Front Demands Action Over Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

The United Cadres Front has called on the Government of Ghana and the African Union to take immediate steps to protect Ghanaians and other African nationals facing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the United Cadres Front, Oliver Agbenyo Ahiafor, and the Secretary, David Posh Aggrey, the Tema-based group condemned what it described as the continued barbaric treatment of African migrants in parts of South Africa.

According to the statement, foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, have reportedly been subjected to violent assaults, looting of shops, forced evictions and intimidation.

The group stressed that the incidents should not be viewed as ordinary criminal acts but deliberate xenophobic attacks targeting Africans because of their nationality.

“The United Cadres Front condemns in the strongest possible terms the ongoing xenophobic attacks and barbaric mistreatment being meted out to African foreign nationals in parts of South Africa,” the statement said.

The organisation said the recent evacuation of Ghanaian national Emmanuel Asamoah after a violent confrontation captured in a viral video highlights the dangers confronting Ghanaians living in South Africa.

It also referenced a public advisory issued by Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria urging Ghanaian citizens to avoid non-essential movement following recent anti-immigration protests and xenophobic attacks in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

The group further reminded South Africans of the support Ghana provided during the anti-apartheid struggle under Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

According to the statement, attacks on fellow Africans undermine the spirit of unity and solidarity that contributed to South Africa’s liberation from apartheid.

The United Cadres Front also cited concerns raised in Nigeria, where the Nigerian Senate reportedly condemned the attacks and called for investigations, prosecutions and stronger protection for African migrants.

The group urged Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to engage South African authorities to ensure the safety of Ghanaians, secure justice for victims and compensation for affected persons.

It also appealed to the African Union to deploy a fact-finding mission and pressure South Africa to enforce the rule of law and prevent further attacks.

“African unity is not a slogan for summits. It is a covenant paid for in blood and sacrifice. If we fail to defend African lives in Africa, we betray that covenant,” the statement added.