Ghana summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner on Wednesday after viral videos showed foreign nationals being attacked during anti-immigrant protests in KwaZulu-Natal. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa called the incidents a “betrayal” of Pan-Africanism.

Why it matters: The diplomatic fallout marks the first time in over a decade that an African government has formally protested xenophobic violence in South Africa, raising pressure on Pretoria ahead of continental engagements.

The attacks

Protests led by the March and March Movement in Durban turned violent during the week of 20 April. Viral footage showed a Ghanaian national confronted and told to “fix his country” despite producing legal residence documents.

At least 12 foreign nationals were injured across multiple incidents in eThekwini and surrounding areas, according to GroundUp. Foreign-owned shops were looted in several townships.

Diplomatic response

Ablakwa invited Acting High Commissioner Thando Dalamba for urgent discussions on Thursday. He demanded “immediate intervention to prevent further escalation” and called for the prosecution of perpetrators.

South Africa’s Police Ministry issued a statement condemning the attacks. It instructed the South African Police Service to identify, apprehend, and charge anyone participating in, inciting, or supporting xenophobic violence.

Civil society pushback

Durban-based organisations including the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council and the Refugee Pastoral Care network launched a joint campaign against xenophobic violence. Religious and community leaders held a march through the Durban CBD on 24 April calling for tolerance.

The campaign follows similar anti-xenophobia mobilisation in Johannesburg and Cape Town earlier this year after attacks on foreign shop owners by Operation Dudula activists.

Broader pattern

South Africa has faced recurring waves of xenophobic violence since 2008. The most recent intensification coincides with unemployment above 32% and growing public frustration over undocumented immigration.

According to the African Diaspora Forum, at least 47 xenophobic incidents have been reported nationally since January 2026, a 34% increase on the same period last year.