By Ayo Kehinde
“Xenophobic attacks have no place in democracy”, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, declared on Tuesday, as he urged South Africa to immediately end rising violence, intimidation and hate-driven attacks against foreign nationals and migrants in parts of the country.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, the UN chief expressed deep concern over recent incidents of violence, vigilantism and incitement against migrants in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Province.
Guterres said the growing hostility toward foreign nationals was disturbing, particularly given South Africa’s historical dependence on support from African countries and the wider international community during the anti-apartheid struggle.
“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society”, the UN Secretary-General declared, while calling on authorities to take urgent steps to halt attacks and protect vulnerable communities.
The UN chief stressed that South Africa’s liberation from apartheid was achieved through solidarity from across Africa and beyond, noting that several countries on the continent sheltered South African freedom fighters and supported the campaign against racial segregation and oppression.
According to him, xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans contradict the principles of unity, equality and human dignity that shaped the country’s democratic transition.
The statement comes amid renewed concerns over anti-foreigner sentiments in South Africa, where migrants and businesses owned by foreign nationals have repeatedly faced violence, looting, harassment and displacement during periods of economic hardship and rising unemployment.
Foreign nationals from countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have, over the years, been victims of repeated mob attacks and intimidation in several South African communities.
Guterres acknowledged the serious socio-economic challenges confronting South Africa, including poverty, inequality and unemployment, but cautioned against blaming migrants for the country’s economic difficulties.
He noted that South Africa’s development and economy have historically benefited from the contributions of migrants and workers from different African countries.
The UN Secretary-General also welcomed the South African government’s commitment to implementing its National Action Plan against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, describing the initiative as an important framework for promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He further called for all investigations into recent attacks against foreign nationals to be conducted promptly, independently and impartially, insisting that perpetrators of violence and hate crimes must be brought to justice.
According to Guterres, accountability and the rule of law are critical to preventing further attacks and rebuilding confidence among affected migrant communities.
The UN chief extended goodwill messages to South Africans as the country marked Freedom Day, celebrated annually on April 27 to commemorate the first democratic elections held in 1994 after the collapse of apartheid. The historic election ushered in democratic rule and led to the emergence of late anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela, as South Africa’s first Black president.
