South Africa has urged the African Union (AU) to avoid turning upcoming continental discussions on migration into a platform for blaming individual countries, arguing instead that leaders should focus on the economic, political and security challenges driving people to leave their home countries.
The appeal comes amid heightened scrutiny of South Africa's immigration policies following recent anti-immigration protests and diplomatic concerns raised by several African countries over the treatment of their nationals.
Speaking during a government media briefing on Sunday, South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said migration should be managed through existing African frameworks that promote legal, orderly and regulated movement rather than through political accusations.
"So, this debate that is being called by Ghana should not be a debate of finger pointing, cheap political scoring against South Africa," Lamola said.
Lamola's comments come ahead of the African Union Executive Council meeting, scheduled for 28–29 July in Addis Ababa, where migration is expected to feature prominently following calls by Ghana for a broader continental discussion on the issue.
