This post has already been read 259 times!

The Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy Foundation, also known as the Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocates (ARRA), has warned that the growing wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa could undermine regional economic cooperation, disrupt African business interests, and weaken continental integration if urgent action is not taken.

ARRA made the declaration in a press statement issued on May 6, 2026, and signed by Dr. Okey Ezugwu, Founder and Executive Director of the organisation.

The refugee and human rights advocacy group strongly condemned the attacks on African migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and foreign-owned businesses, describing them as a dangerous assault on human rights and Pan-African solidarity.

According to the organisation, the continued targeting of foreign nationals in South Africa has implications beyond humanitarian concerns, extending into trade, investment, labour mobility, and regional economic confidence across Africa.

“The current wave of hostility against migrants, asylum seekers, and foreign-owned businesses is not only reprehensible but dangerously short-sighted,” ARRA stated.

“The persistent scapegoating of foreign nationals for South Africa’s economic challenges is both misleading and counterproductive. No nation can sustainably address unemployment, inequality, and structural economic weaknesses by turning against fellow Africans who are themselves contributors to economic activity, innovation, and regional integration.”

The foundation noted that South African companies and citizens maintain extensive commercial and economic interests across the African continent, warning that unchecked xenophobic violence could trigger diplomatic and economic backlash.

“It must be clearly stated that South Africans have significant economic, commercial, and residential interests across the African continent,” the statement read.

“Thousands of South African businesses operate profitably in other African countries, while South African citizens live, work, and thrive in those same environments. Any normalization of xenophobia within South Africa risks triggering reciprocal hostility, undermining regional cooperation, and weakening the fragile fabric of African solidarity.”

ARRA also criticised the African Union for what it described as its failure to take visible and coordinated action despite repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence.

“The continued failure of the continental body to take decisive, visible, and coordinated action sends the wrong signal—that the lives, dignity, and safety of African migrants can be treated as expendable,” the organisation said.

“This silence is unacceptable. The African Union must rise to its responsibility as the custodian of Pan-African ideals and take firm steps to address this crisis.”

The organisation further accused the South African government of failing to enforce adequate deterrent measures against perpetrators of xenophobic violence.

“While official statements condemning such acts are noted, they are insufficient in the absence of visible enforcement, arrests, prosecutions, and deterrent measures,” ARRA declared.

“The recurring nature of these attacks suggests a pattern of impunity that emboldens perpetrators.”

ARRA stressed that South Africa has constitutional and international obligations to guarantee the safety of all persons within its territory, including migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and foreign investors.

The advocacy group expressed concern that the worsening climate of fear could negatively affect lawful economic activities carried out by migrants and foreign business owners.

“Many now live in fear, unable to carry out their lawful economic activities, access essential services, or move freely without the risk of harassment or attack,” the statement noted.

“For asylum seekers and refugees—who have already fled persecution or instability—this renewed exposure to violence is particularly distressing and unacceptable.”

The organisation also reminded South Africans of the historical support provided by African nations during the anti-apartheid struggle, especially by Nigeria.

“Countries across the continent, particularly Nigeria, provided unwavering political, financial, and diplomatic support in the fight against apartheid. That legacy of solidarity must not be forgotten or betrayed,” ARRA stated.

The foundation further called on the Nigerian government to strengthen diplomatic engagement and improve protective mechanisms for Nigerians and African migrants abroad.

“Diplomatic engagement must be intensified, protective mechanisms strengthened, and contingency plans—including evacuation where necessary—clearly articulated and implemented,” the organisation urged.

Among its key demands, ARRA called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of xenophobic attacks, stronger intervention by the African Union, enhanced diplomatic collaboration among African states, and comprehensive protection measures for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

“Africa must not become a continent where Africans are unsafe in other African countries,” the statement concluded.

“The current trajectory, if unchecked, threatens not only human lives but the broader vision of African unity, integration, and shared prosperity.”

ABUJA BUSINESS REPORTS NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE