Ghana warns citizens against traveling to South Africa, Nigeria advises against revenge attacks

The Ghanaian government has advised its citizens not to travel to South Africa because of increasing xenophobic violence against African immigrants.

This warning comes as part of Ghana's efforts to protect its citizens after about 300 Ghanaians were repatriated last week. The government also announced a job initiative to help provide work opportunities for the returnees.

In an advisory released on Monday, Ghana asked its citizens to hold off on all non-essential travel to South Africa. The advisory mentioned that African immigrants are facing physical attacks and harassment in some areas, even though there has been public condemnation of this violence.

Groups calling themselves "anti-immigrant vigilantes" have been carrying out violent attacks in some parts of South Africa. These attacks have led to injuries, business closures, looting, and loss of property.

Ghana noted that these violent acts have continued despite many actions taken by the Mahama Administration. These actions include making formal protests at the highest levels, summoning the South African Acting High Commissioner in Accra, reaching out to the African Union, and evacuating its citizens.

According to Ghanaian officials, these attacks go against the Pan-African ideals of unity and solidarity among African nations. Ghana was the first African country to organize evacuations due to xenophobia, bringing around 300 citizens back from Johannesburg to Accra last week. A second flight is planned to evacuate more Ghanaians soon.

Reports indicate that the latest violence has sparked reactions across Africa and affected diplomatic relations. Ghana has sent a letter to the African Union, asking that the xenophobic attacks be discussed at the upcoming African Union summit. The Nigerian government is also planning to repatriate its citizens, though it has stated that the trip to Abuja will be self-funded. So far, about 300 Nigerians have shown interest in returning, according to the foreign affairs ministry.

Nigeria has summoned the South African High Commissioner in Abuja, demanding a proper investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians killed by South African security forces last month. Kenya has also issued a travel warning for its citizens, advising them to stay safe and avoid areas that are known to be hostile to African immigrants.

In its statement on Monday, Ghana urged its citizens still in South Africa to be cautious. "The Government of Ghana hereby advises Ghanaian nationals to exercise extreme caution in their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice."

"Ghanaian nationals in the country are urged to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission for consular services," the advisory added. Ghana also called on the South African government to provide better security for targeted groups of Africans and enforce law and order in the spirit of Pan-Africanism and African integration.

The advisory further stated, "The Government of the Republic of Ghana will continue to work with the relevant authorities in South Africa to help evacuate Ghanaian nationals to ensure their safety."

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has warned Nigerians against revenge attacks because of the tensions from the violence. In a statement on Sunday, the NPF said the government is engaging with relevant authorities through diplomatic and security channels to resolve the situation.

The police said, "There is no cause for alarm" and emphasized that revenge attacks against any South African in Nigeria are not acceptable.

"Reprisal attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or any acts that threaten public peace and national security are illegal and will not be tolerated," the statement said.

"Any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic missions, businesses, or any lawful interests in Nigeria will be seen as a crime and dealt with according to the law," it continued.

The NPF also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified or inflammatory information, especially on social media.

"Sharing false or provocative content can escalate tensions, disrupt public order, and hinder diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation," it warned.