Owei Lakemfa has called on African nations to resist adopting South Africa's xenophobic approach, saying continental unity matters more than mirroring the country's hostility toward foreign nationals.
Lakemfa, a prominent commentator, argues that Africa's socio-economic progress hinges on integration, not fragmentation. He said the continent must prioritise cohesion even as it confronts South Africa's treatment of African migrants and foreign workers.
While he supports pressure and diplomatic action against South Africa, Lakemfa insists these measures must not be destructive or counterproductive. He frames the response as corrective rather than retaliatory, suggesting Africa should push for change without abandoning the principles of continental brotherhood that underpin the African Union's mission.
South Africa has faced recurring criticism over xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals, particularly from other African countries. These attacks have killed dozens and displaced thousands in recent years. The violence reflects deep tensions over jobs, resources, and immigration policy, but Lakemfa warns that if other African nations respond in kind, the continent risks a dangerous spiral of division.
His position reflects a broader debate within African leadership circles about how to balance protecting citizens' rights with maintaining regional stability. Some nations have threatened economic sanctions or diplomatic isolation of South Africa. Others have called for stronger African Union intervention to enforce accountability for xenophobic attacks and protect the rights of African migrants.
Lakemfa's argument is that yielding to xenophobia, even as a reaction to South African violence, would compromise Africa's founding vision of unity and mutual respect. He suggests that measured diplomatic pressure, backed by economic leverage and public condemnation, offers a more sustainable path than mirroring hostility.
The commentary comes as South Africa continues to grapple with public anger over xenophobic incidents and as neighbouring countries weigh responses ranging from travel warnings to trade restrictions. Lakemfa's call for restraint and principled engagement will likely feature in ongoing continental discussions about how to address South Africa's treatment of foreign nationals without fracturing African solidarity.
