The Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress in Imo State, Franklin-Kennedy Ibeh, has strongly condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreigners of African descent in South Africa, describing the situation as shameful and unacceptable.
Ibeh made his position known in a statement issued in Owerri on Wednesday, where he criticised the South African government and the ruling African National Congress for what he described as inadequate action in addressing repeated attacks on African migrants living in the country.
The APC youth leader specifically accused South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC leadership of paying lip service to the growing violence and hostility directed at fellow Africans residing in South Africa. According to him, African nations share a common history of struggle, liberation, and solidarity, making it painful to witness Africans turning against one another in such violent circumstances.
He said the recurring xenophobic attacks had continued to tarnish the image of South Africa across the continent and were gradually eroding the spirit of African brotherhood that many past leaders fought hard to build. Ibeh noted that many Africans, including Nigerians, had contributed significantly to the economic and social development of South Africa, stressing that they should not be treated as enemies in a fellow African country.
“As the Imo State Youth Leader and President of Duruiheoma Group, I condemn the ongoing xenophobic attacks against Africans living in South Africa,” he declared. The APC chieftain further lamented that several Africans living in South Africa had allegedly become victims of harassment, intimidation, destruction of property, and violent attacks simply because of their nationality.
According to him, such acts contradict the principles of unity, freedom, and human dignity championed during the anti-apartheid struggle that once united many African nations behind South Africa. Ibeh said legendary South African leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Winnie Mandela, and Albert Luthuli would be deeply saddened by the present situation if they were alive today.
He stated that these iconic figures dedicated their lives to the fight against oppression, injustice, and discrimination, while receiving support from several African countries during the apartheid era. According to him, Nigeria and many other African nations stood firmly with South Africa during its liberation struggle by providing political support, financial assistance, and moral backing to anti-apartheid movements.
He stressed that it was therefore disturbing that citizens of other African nations now face hostility and violence in the same country that once benefited from continental solidarity. Ibeh urged the South African government to take decisive measures to end the attacks and ensure the safety of all foreigners residing within its borders.
He called on law enforcement agencies in South Africa to arrest and prosecute individuals responsible for attacks on migrants, warning that failure to act decisively could worsen tensions across the continent. The APC youth leader also appealed to African leaders and regional organisations to speak more strongly against xenophobia and promote peaceful coexistence among Africans.
According to him, the African Union and other continental bodies must not remain silent while innocent Africans are subjected to violence and discrimination in another African country. He further emphasised the need for African governments to strengthen diplomatic engagements and create policies that promote unity, tolerance, and economic opportunities for young people across the continent.
Observers say xenophobic violence in South Africa has remained a recurring issue over the years, with foreign nationals from countries such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, and Ethiopia frequently targeted during periods of social and economic tension.
Many analysts attribute the attacks to rising unemployment, poverty, inequality, and frustrations among some South African citizens who blame foreigners for economic hardships and criminal activities.
However, critics argue that xenophobia undermines Africa’s push for regional integration, economic cooperation, and free movement across the continent. In recent years, several African leaders, civil society groups, and international organisations have repeatedly called on the South African government to implement stronger measures to protect migrants and prevent further violence.
For many Africans, the continued attacks remain painful reminders of the divisions and intolerance that still exist despite decades of efforts toward building a united and prosperous continent.
Ibeh maintained that Africans must see themselves as partners in progress rather than enemies, insisting that peace, unity, and mutual respect remain essential for the future growth and stability of the continent.
