The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says the government remains committed to open, constructive and action-oriented dialogue with member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on matters of mutual concern, particularly regional stability and migration management.
DIRCO was responding to the final communiqué issued following the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, which condemned the recent wave of alleged “xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks” in South Africa.
The regional bloc also called for a united response and plans to escalate the matter to the African Union (AU).
Despite this, DIRCO said it regards ECOWAS as a vital pillar of continental integration.
“In the spirit of Pan-African solidarity, South Africa remains deeply committed to open, constructive and action-oriented dialogue with ECOWAS member states on matters of mutual concern, most notably regional stability and migration management.
South Africa reiterates, in the strongest terms, its unwavering stance against all forms of social prejudice.
We categorically reject xenophobia, racism, homophobia, intolerance and discrimination in all their manifestations,” said DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri.
Phiri also emphasised that upholding the dignity of every person within South Africa’s borders is both a constitutional imperative and a moral duty.
“South Africa remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who perpetrate violence or unlawful acts are held fully accountable under our judicial system,” Phiri said.
The department highlighted that while South Africa continues to address bilateral matters with West African partners, including Ghana and Nigeria, most high-volume migration dynamics are concentrated within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola said he welcomed the opportunity to engage on migration at the highest level of the African Union, through the Heads of State Summit, to ensure the issue is addressed collectively by all member states.
“Establishing a dedicated agenda item at the African Union to address the primary push and pull factors, as well as the root causes of irregular migration, with a focus on good governance, democracy and economic stability, will enable a pragmatic and comprehensive approach to addressing continental migration challenges,” said Lamola.
Meanwhile, Lamola described as “opportunistic” a petition submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by two Ghanaian civilians, saying it does not meet the legal thresholds required for the court to take action.
The petition calls on the ICC to open a preliminary investigation into what the applicants describe as attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, which they argue could constitute crimes against humanity.
In its response, DIRCO said it has full confidence in South Africa’s legal framework and maintains that the petition fails to satisfy the ICC’s statutory legal triggers and jurisdictional requirements.
“Crucially, legislation such as the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act gives direct effect to the Republic’s obligations under the Constitution and international human rights instruments concerning racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
This legal framework specifically provides for offences such as hate crimes and hate speech, ensuring the prosecution of any individuals who commit such offences,” the department said in a statement.
