South Africa has proposed a broad African dialogue on migration in an effort to ease growing diplomatic tensions following violence against foreign nationals that has drawn criticism from several countries across the continent.
The initiative comes as Pretoria faces mounting pressure over attacks targeting migrants, which have reportedly left several people dead and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes. Some African governments have warned that the situation could develop into a wider humanitarian crisis.
Despite the deaths of several foreign nationals, South African authorities have resisted describing the violence as xenophobic, arguing that the unrest should be addressed as part of a broader continental discussion on migration.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said Pretoria wants the African Union to support a continent-wide conference to examine the underlying causes of anti-migrant sentiment and develop a collective African response.
The proposal comes amid strained relations between South Africa and several African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, over criticism of the authorities’ handling of attacks against migrants.
Pretoria argues that focusing exclusively on South Africa risks unfairly singling out the country, while migration pressures and hostility toward foreign nationals are challenges shared by many states across the continent.
The proposed dialogue also has a diplomatic dimension, with South Africa seeking to broaden the debate and reduce the pressure directed at Pretoria by promoting a collective approach to migration and the factors driving anti-migrant sentiment.