Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Malema, has faulted Ghana’s move to pull its citizens out of South Africa after reported xenophobic incidents, saying the step was unwarranted and weakens diplomatic ties between both nations.
Speaking in an interview with SABC News on Thursday, May 28, Malema said Ghana’s action threatened to worsen tensions and painted a false picture that xenophobic attacks represent broader South African society, instead of isolated acts by a few individuals.
Malema argued that while the worries of affected foreigners were understandable, Ghana should have given more room for stronger diplomatic dialogue and for South African officials to properly handle the reported cases.
“The Ghana response was not necessary because it now creates an impression that we’re all like that, when it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement.
The President of Ghana should have given us some time to really deal with this matter, and we’ll get to the bottom of it. We need to pursue the diplomatic engagements with Ghana until we find one another.
“We don’t think Ghana responded in a manner that really reinforces dialogue and diplomatic engagements. It actually creates a very bad, extreme situation, which is not. It’s a select few and we are pursuing and persuading the government to still act on those few,” he said.
He added that Ghanaian citizens who still feel at risk, especially those with proper papers, should turn to South African police for protection, noting that support systems exist to help them.
“Those who don’t feel safe, especially the legally documented Ghanaians, should be able to run to police stations for safety, and they will be directed to the rightful places where they will be secured,” he added.
Malema urged ongoing collaboration between Ghana and South Africa, stressing that continuous diplomatic contact remains key to stopping further flare-ups over the reported xenophobic incidents.
His remarks follow the arrival of about 300 Ghanaian nationals in Accra after evacuation plans by Ghanaian authorities. According to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 800 Ghanaians had willingly signed up for evacuation after accounts of fresh violence and safety fears in some areas.
