African Leaders Urged to Protect Citizens Amid Rising Tensions in South Africa

Dr. Samuel W. Watulatsu, a respected scholar in Global Affairs and Diplomacy and a Ford Fellow, has called on African governments to prioritize the protection of their citizens while intensifying diplomatic pressure on South Africa to end attacks against foreign nationals and restore continental trust.

In a strongly worded reflection on the current tensions across the African continent, Dr. Watulatsu described the situation as a difficult moment for the spirit of “Ubuntu” and Pan-African unity, warning that repeated violence targeting foreign Africans in South Africa threatens the ideals of African solidarity and brotherhood.

According to Dr. Watulatsu, many African states are currently caught between protecting their citizens and maintaining diplomatic relations with South Africa, one of the continent’s leading economic and political powers.

“It is a tense moment for Ubuntu on the African continent,” he noted, emphasizing that governments must remain vigilant and responsive to the growing fears among their citizens living and working in South Africa.

He observed that while the South African government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has condemned the attacks and promised law enforcement action, concerns remain over whether justice is fully being served for foreign Africans affected by the violence.

“We hear that the Government of South Africa has condemned the violence and said that it is not representative of all South Africans,” Dr. Watulatsu said. “But many Africans continue to feel unsafe and uncertain.”

The scholar argued that African leaders must go beyond statements of concern and take coordinated action to defend the dignity and security of their nationals abroad.

Dr. Watulatsu commended several African governments for taking diplomatic steps in response to the attacks. He cited Ghana’s decision to summon South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner and formally petition the African Union to debate the violence, describing the move as an important demonstration of leadership.

He further noted that Nigeria had also summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner to communicate its displeasure and condemn the attacks as unacceptable.

Other countries, including Mozambique, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, have similarly raised concerns through diplomatic channels, reflecting growing continental anxiety over the situation.

Several African governments have also issued security alerts to their nationals residing in South Africa. Countries such as Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, and Lesotho have reportedly advised their citizens to stay indoors, avoid identified hotspots, and remain cautious amid rising tensions.

In some instances, governments have begun repatriating affected citizens due to safety concerns. However, Dr. Watulatsu questioned what awaits many migrant workers and job seekers who are forced to leave South Africa after years of struggling to build livelihoods there.

“Where do these kyeyo people go or what should they do next?” he asked, highlighting the social and economic uncertainty faced by thousands of African migrants.

Dr. Watulatsu stressed that attacks against fellow Africans contradict the very foundation of Pan-Africanism, which was built on unity, mutual respect, and shared liberation struggles.

“All leaders and governments across Africa must wake up and call these attacks what they are — a betrayal of Pan-Africanism,” he said.

He warned that continued hostility against African foreigners risks damaging long-standing diplomatic relations and weakening continental integration efforts championed by institutions such as the African Union.

The scholar called for stronger continental cooperation, improved protection mechanisms for migrants, and sustained dialogue aimed at rebuilding trust among African nations.

As tensions continue to attract international attention, Dr. Watulatsu’s remarks add to growing calls for African governments to work collectively in addressing xenophobia, protecting vulnerable communities, and preserving the ideals of African brotherhood and unity.

Dr. Samuel W. Watulatsu is a Ford Fellow with deep roots in Global Affairs and Diplomacy.