South Africa has stabbed the continent in the back - Sammi Awuku on xenophobic attacks

Sammi Awuku, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, described the continued xenophobic attacks in South Africa as a betrayal, saying the country has "stabbed Africa in the back" despite the support it received during the apartheid era. He expressed concern over the recurring attacks on foreign nationals, arguing that the situation has persisted for too long without decisive action from South African authorities. He noted that countries across Africa, including Ghana and Nigeria, stood firmly with South Africa during its struggle against racial oppression.

Mr. Awuku pointed out that many South African companies operate freely in Ghana and other African countries. He questioned why xenophobic violence continues to resurface in South Africa almost every year despite repeated assurances of action from authorities. He criticized the response of South African authorities, arguing that the country's strong media and security systems should make such incidents easier to control. He revealed that his uncle has worked as a medical doctor in South Africa for more than a decade and has built a family there.

Mr. Awuku warned that if South Africa no longer wants foreign nationals, authorities should openly declare it, but such actions could trigger retaliatory measures across the continent. He called on regional and continental bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union, to take a stronger stance on the attacks. He warned that while some governments may consider evacuating their citizens for safety reasons, many affected persons could lose their livelihoods and properties in the process.