South African President urges joint African efforts for lawful, orderly migration
Johannesburg, July 27
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday called on African countries to work together to promote lawful and orderly migration while addressing the underlying factors that drive people to leave their home countries.
Ramaphosa made the remarks in Johannesburg at the opening of the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament, amid heightened concerns over recent attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Expressing regret over the mistreatment and killing of foreign nationals in the country, Ramaphosa said such incidents were partly fueled by misinformation and prejudice. He also acknowledged concerns among South Africans over the social and economic impact of illegal migration.
"As the South African government, we have taken a firm stance against any form of intimidation, vigilantism, or violence directed at foreign nationals," Ramaphosa said. "Our response must combine firm, fair, and effective immigration management with an unwavering defence of human dignity and the rule of law."
He said migration should be managed in a way that upholds the rights and dignity of all people, respects international conventions, and promotes social cohesion. The president urged African countries to work together to address the factors driving migration, including conflict, instability, governance failures, poverty, and social discord. He said the continent must work to silence the guns, strengthen inclusive governance, and expand economic opportunities.
Nelson Muffuh, United Nations resident coordinator in South Africa, said human mobility has long been part of Africa's history and development.
"Challenges relating to migration and displacement cannot be addressed through stigma, exclusion or vigilantism, but through sound public policy, regional cooperation and adherence to the rule of law," Muffuh said.
South Africa has seen a rise in attacks targeting foreign nationals in recent months, with some migrant-owned businesses forcibly closed by vigilante groups and several people killed in the violence.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Looking at India's experience, we see that migration can be both a challenge and an opportunity. The anti-migrant violence in South Africa is troubling. Ramaphosa's emphasis on rule of law and dignity is spot on. African nations should also invest in creating jobs and opportunities at home, so people don't feel forced to migrate illegally. 💪
It's heartening to see a South African leader condemn violence against foreign nationals. In India, we have a long history of hosting refugees and migrants, but we also know the strain on resources can fuel resentment. The only long-term solution is Ramaphosa's idea of addressing root causes - lack of jobs, governance failures, instability. Otherwise, no amount of border control will work.
Ramaphosa's speech is commendable, but actions matter more. The vigilante attacks on migrant businesses are the exact kind of mob justice we see in parts of India, and it's never justified. Migration is a complex issue - yes, it can strain infrastructure, but as Nelson Muffuh said, human mobility is part of Africa's history. States must cooperate regionally, not just blame migrants.
From an Indian perspective, the parallel with our own border and migration challenges is striking. Ramaphosa is right to highlight misinformation as a driver of hostility - we see xenophobic rhetoric online too. His call for "firm, fair, and effective immigration management" is perhaps the only realistic path. But regional bodies like the African Union must step up funding for development projects to reduce migration pressures.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.