The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has “called for calm and dialogue in the most earnest way possible to iron out the tensions that have the potential of undermining peace efforts” of countries affected by xenophobic attacks.

PAP’s call comes on the heels of recent xenophobic attacks on other African nationals by South Africans. It started on Thursday, 29 August 2019.

Meanwhile, the government of Ghana has asked the government of South African to ensure the protection of all Ghanaians and other African nationals living in South Africa following the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks.

“The government of the Republic of Ghana views the xenophobic attacks in South Africa on African nationals and the looting of foreign and local shops as unfortunate”, a statement signed by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, said on Tuesday, 3 September 2019.

“The government further urges South African authorities to take all necessary actions that will guarantee harmonious co-existence between South Africans and Africans resident in South Africa.

“The High Commission of Ghana in Pretoria has set up the following dedicated emergency lines through which our Ghanaian nationals in distress could contact the mission for urgent assistance TEL: +271-234-258-47/8”, the statement added.

In a statement released on Wednesday, 4 September 2019, PAP expressed sadness and great dismay at the reports of acts of violence targeted at foreign African nationals in some parts South Africa.

It noted that: “The violence and tension are seemingly spreading into other parts of the continent, leading into displacement of helpless people, damage and loss of property, as well as sources of livelihoods; and ultimately the loss of precious lives of our fellow African citizens.”

PAP indicated that as representatives of the African People, “It condemns in the strongest terms, the attacks of Africans by fellow Africans.” 

While calling for justice for the victims, the continental parliament also called for “calm and dialogue in the most earnest way possible to iron out the tensions that have the potential of undermining peace efforts, drowning not only the economy of the affected countries, but the whole continent.”

PAP also conveyed its “deepest” condolences to all the families that have lost their beloved ones and extended its sympathies to the individuals affected in different ways, adding that it is “also concerned about reports that the attacks have not only been directed at foreign nationals but also some citizens of South Africa. 

“PAP believes that the nature of the problem calls for all African leaders to reflect on the real problems that affect ordinary citizens and that may spiral into uncontrollable revolt if not addressed and contained in time. These attacks have the potential to reverse all the gains made by the Continent to date and must be seriously addressed to avoid further damage.”

PAP is, however, of the firm belief that “South African authorities will continue to guarantee security during the upcoming Session of October 2019, to ensure that all African Parliamentarians, staff and participants perform their duties with ease during the said event and during their stay in South Africa” and advised all “stakeholders to ensure that the source of the tensions is confronted as a matter of urgency, and that permanent peace and stability are restored in the affected countries”. 

It also urged “citizens to uphold the tenets of Human Rights by continuously showing respect for human dignity, belief in human equality, as well as appreciation of diversity, which is an asset that the rest of the world appreciates about Africa” and welcomed all efforts by the South African government and different stakeholders “toward halting the attacks and in providing humanitarian assistance to the victims.”