South Africa: Xenophobia of Shame — Africa Must Rise Now.

By TOURE MOUSSA ZEGUEN

Director of Publication, ADNEWS24.NET

An Unacceptable Barbarity at the Heart of the Continent

For several weeks now, scenes of unbearable violence targeting Africans have been emerging from South Africa — a country that once stood as a symbol of resistance and dignity, heir to the struggle of Nelson Mandela and now led by Cyril Ramaphosa.

But what these images reveal has nothing to do with an ideal of reconciliation: they show acts of manhunts, repeated brutality, and deliberate dehumanization against Africans whose only “crime” is being foreigners on African soil.

 Historical Betrayal and Moral Failure

It must be said plainly: what is happening is a betrayal.

A betrayal of history, first. South Africa was one of the greatest beneficiaries of African and international solidarity during the apartheid era. Entire peoples mobilized, sacrificed, and resisted so that this nation could be free.

A moral betrayal, next. How can a people once liberated from oppression become oppressors in turn? How can they redirect their anger toward their own African brothers and sisters instead of addressing the real social and economic causes of their struggles?

 Silence Is No Longer an Option

In the face of this dangerous drift, the silence of African states — and of Africans themselves — is becoming complicity.

This is no longer about temporary outrage or superficial diplomatic condemnations. It is a serious crisis that threatens the very foundations of African unity.

If Africa tolerates Africans being persecuted on African soil for who they are, then the Pan-African project is nothing more than an empty slogan.

 A Call for Mass Mobilization

It is time to say it clearly: Enough is enough.

We call on African peoples, intellectuals, civil society organizations, Pan-African movements, and the diaspora to rise with determination.

Popular mobilization, political pressure, media campaigns, and civic action — all forms of peaceful struggle must be deployed to demand an immediate end to these violences and the effective protection of African migrants in South Africa.

 Holding the South African Government Accountable

The government of Cyril Ramaphosa can no longer be content with statements.

It must act, protect, sanction, and firmly restore order. Allowing xenophobia to flourish weakens not only the South African nation, but also the moral and political architecture of the entire continent.

 Africa at a Turning Point

This moment is a turning point.

Either Africa chooses dignity, solidarity, and true unity.

Or it accepts division, hatred, and regression.

History will judge today’s silence harshly.

Conclusion: Rejecting the Unacceptable

This is no longer simply about condemning. It is about acting.

To accept this is to accept that tomorrow, any African could be humiliated, hunted, or killed on another African land.

And that is something no dignified people can accept.

TOURE MOUSSA ZEGUEN

Director of Publication

ADNEWS24.NET

Email: info@adnews24.net