Two Ghanaians have petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, arguing the violence may amount to crimes against humanity and accusing the government of failing to stop or punish those responsible.
The filing, submitted in The Hague last week, comes amid rising protests targeting undocumented migrants and growing diplomatic tensions between South Africa and several African countries.
The petition was lodged by former Ghanaian government spokesperson Palgrave Boakye‑Danquah and security analyst Emmanuel Kotin who say migrants have faced “widespread and systematic attacks” for years.
“While we commend individuals in South Africa who have condemned these acts, the pattern, scale and recurrence of the violence raise serious questions about the failure of state authorities to prevent, investigate, and punish these crimes.”
The ICC has not yet commented on whether it will consider the request.
South Africa has dismissed the petition as “opportunistic”, insisting its courts can address any crimes committed and rejecting accusations of state failure.
Authorities deny claims that a Ghanaian citizen was killed in recent unrest, though Ghana was among the first countries to repatriate nationals following the latest wave of anti‑migrant protests.
Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe have also organised returns in recent weeks.
Anti‑migrant groups had set 30 June as a deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country, prompting thousands to flee.
South Africa says more than 53,000 foreign nationals have recently been deported or repatriated, while estimates from home governments suggest more than 160,000 have left in two months.
Protesters accuse migrants of fuelling unemployment, crime and pressure on public services, claims the UN has warned against, saying migrants are being used as scapegoats for deeper socioeconomic problems.
Regional leaders have also raised concerns. ECOWAS condemned the reported attacks as “despicable”, urging South Africa to act swiftly to ensure the safety of foreign nationals.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public frustration over migration but condemned violence, warning citizens against taking the law into their own hands.
South Africa’s foreign ministry says the country remains committed to the rule of law and will hold perpetrators accountable, while calling for broader African Union discussions on the root causes of migration.
JN/APA