Published: May 1, 2026
MONROVIA — The African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP) has strongly condemned the resurgence of anti-immigration protests and attacks on African nationals in South Africa, describing the violence as a direct threat to continental unity and Pan-African ideals.
In a statement signed by Secretary-General Eddie D. Jarwolo, who also serves as Executive Director of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, the group called for an immediate end to the attacks.
‘Assault on African Unity’
ADAFP said the ongoing violence undermines the spirit of Ubuntu and contradicts the vision of “the Africa We Want” under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“As a continental body founded on the ideals of individual liberty, social justice, and Pan-Africanism, we view these acts as a direct assault on the very foundation of African unity,” the statement said.
Economic Pressures Not Justification for Violence
While acknowledging challenges such as youth unemployment, rising crime and pressure on public services in South Africa, ADAFP warned against blaming fellow Africans engaged in legitimate economic activities.
The group cited historical precedents, including Ghana’s 1969 Aliens Compliance Order and Nigeria’s 1983 mass expulsion of migrants under former President Shehu Shagari, as cautionary examples of policies that fueled division and hardship.
“It is trite learning that whenever economies fail, leaving expectations of citizens unmet, the foreign economic migrant becomes fair game,” the statement noted.
Call for Decisive State Action
ADAFP urged South African authorities to move beyond rhetoric and take firm legal action against perpetrators.
“We urge President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African government to move beyond rhetoric to law enforcement where those inciting the violent attacks on fellow Africans would be brought to book,” the statement said.
The organization emphasized that the state has a constitutional obligation to protect all residents, regardless of nationality.
“South Africa belongs to all who live in it,” the statement added, calling for urgent reforms to address economic disparities fueling tensions.
Rule of Law and Legal Migration
ADAFP reaffirmed that while xenophobic violence must be condemned, immigration laws must also be enforced fairly and consistently.
“All individuals entering, residing in, or conducting business within its borders must do so in accordance with the law, as would be required in any other jurisdiction,” the statement said. “The answer to disorder is not open borders or vigilante violence, but lawful, transparent, and humane enforcement.”
Warning Against Political Scapegoating
The group also criticized what it described as the “normalisation of hostility” by some political actors who blame migrants for systemic governance failures.
“True progress requires addressing corruption and inequality. It would not come by attacks on fellow Africans,” the statement emphasized.
Call to Revive Ubuntu and Regional Integration
ADAFP called on South Africans to rediscover the spirit of Ubuntu, stressing that shared humanity should guide responses to socio-economic challenges.
“We call on the citizens of South Africa to rediscover the spirit of Ubuntu—the fundamental understanding that our humanity is inextricably bound to one another,” the statement said.
The organization also urged African Union member states to accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including provisions on free movement, visas and economic integration.
Africa at a Crossroads
ADAFP warned that the continent risks undermining its long-term vision if current divisions persist.
“Africa stands at a crossroads. We cannot build a prosperous, integrated, and ‘borderless’ continent under Agenda 2063 if we allow the present socio-economic challenges to consume our shared future,” the statement concluded.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as a “Third Way” of governance—one that prioritizes inclusion, opportunity and progress over division and hostility.
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