Two Ghanaian citizens have reportedly asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate attacks against foreign nationals, particularly black Africans, in South Africa, arguing that the violence amounts to crimes against humanity.
According to a Reuters report, the petition was filed by former Ghanaian government spokesperson on governance and security, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, and counter-terrorism and security analyst Emmanuel Kotin.
The two petitioners contend that the administration of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has failed to prevent what they describe as widespread and systematic attacks on foreign nationals and has not done enough to prosecute those responsible for offences, including murder.
“For years, African brothers and sisters have been killed, beaten, and driven from their homes in South Africa.
“While we commend individuals in South Africa who have condemned these acts, the pattern, scale, and recurrence of the violence raise serious questions about the failure of state authorities to prevent, investigate, and punish these crimes,” part of their statement read.
Reuters also reported that the South African government has rejected the petition.
A spokesperson for the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, Chrispin Phiri, described the move as opportunistic and defended South Africa’s legal framework.
“South Africa has a sophisticated domestic legal framework and legislation provides comprehensive safeguards and enforcement measures against discrimination of any kind, including intolerance on the grounds of social origin,” Phiri was quoted as saying.
South Africa has experienced renewed protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in recent months, particularly migrants from other African countries. The tensions have been linked to concerns over unemployment, crime and access to public services, with some groups accusing migrants of contributing to the country’s socio-economic challenges.
The unrest has reportedly led to attacks, intimidation, looting and the displacement of migrants, prompting concern among several African governments over the safety of their citizens living in South Africa.
Among the reported victims was a Ghanaian national, Bashiru Isak, who was shot and killed in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township. While Ghanaian authorities have linked his death to the wave of anti-immigrant violence, South African authorities dispute that claim and say the incident is being investigated as an extortion-related crime.
