The Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy Foundation, widely known as the Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocates (ARRA), has warned that the persistent xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa could trigger a wider continental crisis if urgent and decisive measures are not taken by both the South African government and the African Union.

In a strongly worded press statement issued on May 6, 2026, and signed by Dr. Okey Ezugwu, Founder and Executive Director of ARRA, the organisation condemned the recurring attacks on migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and foreign-owned businesses, describing the violence as a direct assault on African unity and international human rights principles.

“The acts of violence, intimidation, and systematic targeting of foreign nationals represent a grave violation of human rights, international law, and the very spirit of African unity,” the statement said.

ARRA maintained that the growing hostility against foreign nationals in South Africa was “dangerously short-sighted” and incapable of addressing the country’s underlying economic challenges.

“The persistent scapegoating of foreign nationals for South Africa’s economic challenges is both misleading and counterproductive,” the organisation stated.

“No nation can sustainably address unemployment, inequality, and structural economic weaknesses by turning against fellow Africans who are themselves contributors to economic activity, innovation, and regional integration.”

The organisation further warned that continued xenophobic violence could undermine regional cooperation and expose South African citizens and businesses operating across Africa to retaliatory hostility.

“It must be clearly stated that South Africans have significant economic, commercial, and residential interests across the African continent,” ARRA noted.

“Thousands of South African businesses operate profitably in other African countries, while South African citizens live, work, and thrive in those same environments.”

According to the organisation, “any normalization of xenophobia within South Africa risks triggering reciprocal hostility, undermining regional cooperation, and weakening the fragile fabric of African solidarity.”

ARRA also criticised the African Union for what it described as a weak and ineffective response to repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The organisation said it was disturbed by what it called the continental body’s “stand aloof posture” in the face of recurring violence against African migrants.

“The continued failure of the continental body to take decisive, visible, and coordinated action sends the wrong signal—that the lives, dignity, and safety of African migrants can be treated as expendable,” the statement added.

“This silence is unacceptable. The African Union must rise to its responsibility as the custodian of Pan-African ideals and take firm steps to address this crisis.”

ARRA also faulted the South African government for failing to implement adequate enforcement and deterrent mechanisms against perpetrators of xenophobic violence.

“While official statements condemning such acts are noted, they are insufficient in the absence of visible enforcement, arrests, prosecutions, and deterrent measures,” the organisation said.

“The recurring nature of these attacks suggests a pattern of impunity that emboldens perpetrators.”

The advocacy organisation stressed that the South African government has a constitutional and international obligation to guarantee the safety and protection of everyone residing within its territory, including migrants and asylum seekers.

ARRA also expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian conditions faced by migrants and refugees amid the ongoing unrest.

“Many now live in fear, unable to carry out their lawful economic activities, access essential services, or move freely without the risk of harassment or attack,” the statement read.

“For asylum seekers and refugees—who have already fled persecution or instability—this renewed exposure to violence is particularly distressing and unacceptable.”

The organisation reminded South Africans of the support provided by African countries during the anti-apartheid struggle, especially by Nigeria.

“Countries across the continent, particularly Nigeria, provided unwavering political, financial, and diplomatic support in the fight against apartheid,” ARRA stated.

“That legacy of solidarity must not be forgotten or betrayed. The spirit of brotherhood that sustained South Africa in its darkest hours must not now be replaced with hostility toward fellow Africans.”

ARRA further urged the Nigerian government to intensify diplomatic engagement and establish stronger protection mechanisms for Nigerians living abroad.

“Diplomatic engagement must be intensified, protective mechanisms strengthened, and contingency plans—including evacuation where necessary—clearly articulated and implemented,” the organisation stated.

Among its demands, ARRA called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of xenophobic violence, coordinated intervention by the African Union, stronger diplomatic collaboration among African states, and comprehensive humanitarian and security protection for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

“Africa must not become a continent where Africans are unsafe in other African countries,” the statement concluded.

“The current trajectory, if unchecked, threatens not only human lives but the broader vision of African unity, integration, and shared prosperity.”