Two Ghanaian nationals have petitioned the International Criminal Court to investigate alleged xenophobic violence against foreign nationals in South Africa, citing a pattern of attacks and the government's failure to prevent or punish them.
The petition to the ICC highlights the severe and ongoing issue of xenophobic violence in South Africa and raises questions about the government's responsibility and effectiveness in protecting foreign nationals, potentially leading to international legal scrutiny.
Two Ghanaian nationals have submitted a petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) requesting a preliminary investigation into xenophobic violence against foreign nationals in South Africa. The petition, seen by Reuters and filed on July 15, alleges a "pattern of widespread and systematic attacks" that could constitute crimes against humanity.
Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former Ghanaian government spokesperson, and Emmanuel Kotin, a counter-terrorism and security analyst, are the individuals behind the petition. They stated in a press release that "African brothers and sisters have been killed, beaten, and driven from their homes in South Africa." They also raised concerns about the South African government's alleged failure to prevent, investigate, and punish these crimes.
South Africa has experienced a recent surge in anti-immigrant protests, which have sometimes escalated into violence against foreigners, who are blamed for issues like crime and unemployment. The petition specifically accuses President Cyril Ramaphosa's government of failing to act. Ramaphosa has previously condemned such attacks and cautioned against scapegoating immigrants for deeper societal problems.
Several African migrants have reportedly been killed, injured, and had their homes and businesses looted. Tens of thousands have reportedly fled the country. South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence, occurring periodically for years, despite the migrant population constituting about 5% of the total population, which is considered low by international standards.