South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced plans to dispatch envoys across Africa and other regions of the world following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, as his government seeks to strengthen diplomatic engagement on migration and regional cooperation.
Speaking alongside Kenyan President William Ruto in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the initiative is aimed at fostering dialogue among nations on migration challenges and promoting a coordinated response to population movements across borders.
The announcement comes amid growing concern over incidents of violence and hostility directed at immigrants in parts of South Africa, reigniting debate over migration, unemployment, and social tensions in the continent’s most industrialized economy.
Ramaphosa rejected suggestions that South Africans are inherently xenophobic, saying the country’s people want to coexist peacefully with citizens from across Africa and beyond. “We are Africans who seek to live in harmony with fellow Africans,” Ramaphosa said, emphasizing that isolated acts of violence should not define the attitudes of the broader population.
The envoys are expected to engage governments across Africa and other international partners to discuss migration management, economic cooperation, and measures aimed at preventing tensions that can fuel anti-immigrant sentiment.
South Africa has periodically experienced outbreaks of violence against foreign nationals over the past two decades, with migrants often becoming targets during periods of economic hardship and high unemployment. Such incidents have drawn criticism from neighboring countries and regional organizations, prompting calls for stronger protections for migrant communities.
The latest diplomatic effort signals Pretoria’s intention to reassure regional partners while advancing a broader conversation on migration and shared responsibility among nations.
