By Amos Harris
The African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP) has issued a stinging condemnation of the recent surge in anti-immigration protests and violent attacks targeting African nationals in South Africa, describing the escalating situation as both alarming and unacceptable. As a continental body, the ADAFP is calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging South African authorities to act with urgency to restore public order and shield vulnerable communities from further harm.
In a formal statement released over the weekend, the ADAFP expressed profound disappointment regarding the intensifying hostility toward foreign African nationals. The organization warned that these xenophobic actions directly undermine the spirit of unity and cooperation essential to the continent’s future. Furthermore, the group emphasized that such developments pose a significant threat to Africa’s broader integration agenda and the shared aspirations of its people.
The ADAFP noted that its founding principles—rooted in individual liberty, social justice, and Pan-Africanism—stand in direct opposition to xenophobic violence. According to the organization, these attacks represent a fundamental betrayal of Ubuntu, the long-standing African value that promotes mutual respect, solidarity, and a sense of collective humanity among all people on the continent.
While acknowledging the complex socio-economic challenges currently facing South Africa, including high youth unemployment, rising crime rates, and strained public services, the ADAFP cautioned against the dangerous trend of blaming migrants for systemic internal issues. The organization described these accusations as untenable, warning that scapegoating foreign nationals only serves to divert public attention away from deeper governance failures and economic stagnation.
Drawing critical lessons from history, the ADAFP referenced past regional crises such as Ghana’s 1969 Aliens Compliance Order and Nigeria’s 1983 expulsion of undocumented migrants under Shehu Shagari. The group highlighted that these past incidents resulted in devastating humanitarian and economic consequences, stressing that South Africa must take every precaution to avoid repeating such historical mistakes.
The organization called directly upon President Cyril Ramaphosa and his administration to move beyond mere rhetoric and implement decisive action against those inciting violence. The ADAFP urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators are held strictly accountable, emphasizing that justice must be applied impartially and without favor.
Furthermore, the ADAFP stressed that the South African state bears a constitutional responsibility to protect every individual residing within its borders, regardless of their nationality. The group reiterated that safeguarding lives and property remains a fundamental duty of the government, even as it pursues broader reforms to address economic inequality and social discontent.
Regarding the complexities of migration, the group reaffirmed the importance of upholding established legal frameworks. While firmly condemning xenophobic violence, the ADAFP maintained that South Africa possesses the sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws. However, it noted that such enforcement must be lawful, transparent, and humane to maintain public trust and effectively distinguish between legal and irregular migration.
The statement also took aim at the normalization of hostility perpetuated by certain political actors who use migrants as a shield for governance shortcomings. The ADAFP argued that meaningful progress for South African citizens lies in tackling corruption, improving service delivery, and generating genuine economic opportunities, rather than targeting fellow Africans.
In its closing remarks, the ADAFP called for a renewed commitment to continental integration through key initiatives like the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The group urged leaders across the continent to promote legal migration pathways and increase intra-African trade, asserting that a more integrated Africa will naturally reduce the conditions that fuel xenophobia and foster shared prosperity for all.