The Dislocated Dream: South Africa’s xenophobic problem and future of African unity, By Aitanu Elegbenosa Emmanuel

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged African nations to collaborate in addressing the growing challenges posed by migration, following widespread xenophobic violence that has driven tens of thousands of foreigners from the country. His remarks came during a session of the Pan-African Parliament, a legislative body of the African Union, where he emphasized the need for regional solidarity in tackling the root causes of migration, including poverty, instability, and poor governance. The call for unity comes amid escalating tensions in South Africa, where anti-migrant protests have intensified over the past months. Xenophobic groups have accused undocumented migrants from other parts of Africa of contributing to crime, unemployment, and the burden on public services. Demonstrations initially focused on restricting migrants' access to healthcare facilities but have since evolved into broader campaigns demanding their departure by June 30. According to reports compiled by AFP, over 160,000 foreign nationals have left South Africa in the past two months, marking one of the largest mass exoduses in recent history. At least four migrants have been confirmed dead in the violence, though some foreign governments claim the death toll is higher. Ramaphosa described the attacks as “sad and abhorrent,” expressing deep regret over the loss of life and reaffirming South Africa's stance against xenophobia and Afrophobia. The situation has sparked diplomatic friction among African nations, particularly with Ghana and Nigeria, which have expressed outrage over the treatment of their citizens. Ghana has called for an urgent debate at the African Union on the issue of anti-migrant violence, while two of its citizens have sought intervention from the International Criminal Court to investigate the recurring xenophobic attacks. South Africa has dismissed these efforts as “opportunistic.” Nigeria, too, has taken a firm position, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu refusing to meet with a South African delegation and halting a planned visit by President Ramaphosa. The Nigerian government has also initiated measures to repatriate its nationals, with approximately 1,500 citizens returning via commercial flights. Similarly, Ghana has repatriated over 900 of its nationals, though thousands remain stranded in temporary camps along South Africa’s borders, enduring harsh conditions and seeking safe passage. The violence in South Africa is not new. Periodic outbreaks of xenophobic attacks have occurred over nearly two decades, with notable incidents in 2008, 2015, and 2016. However, this latest wave represents a unique escalation, as multiple governments have organized simultaneous repatriation efforts for their citizens. The scale and coordination of these actions highlight the gravity of the situation and the potential impact on regional relations. Critics argue that the repeated episodes of xenophobic violence challenge the ideals of Pan-African unity championed by leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Nelson Mandela of South Africa. The vision of a unified Africa, free of borders and prejudice, appears increasingly fragile as the current crisis threatens to disrupt plans for the African Continental Free Trade Area, the continent’s largest economic initiative. Despite the diplomatic rifts, Ramaphosa continues to advocate for collaborative solutions. He stressed that no single country can tackle the complexities of migration alone and called for joint efforts to address the underlying factors driving people to migrate. His plea underscores the delicate balance between national sovereignty and regional cooperation, as African nations grapple with the dual challenges of managing internal migration and maintaining political cohesion. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, awaiting responses from both South Africa and its neighbors. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape not only the immediate fate of the affected migrants but also the broader trajectory of African unity and collaboration.