Africans living in South Africa continue to face uncertainty and fear, yet regional leaders appear focused on other security concerns.
This is the concern raised by civil society organizations in Malawi after a recent virtual Southern African Development Community (SADC) security and defence meeting chaired by Malawi’s Second Vice President Enock Chihana failed to publicly address growing reports of xenophobic attacks and hostility against foreign nationals.
Speaking during a joint press briefing in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba accused SADC of turning a blind eye to a crisis affecting ordinary Africans across the region.
He said it was unfortunate that a meeting dedicated to security and defence did not discuss xenophobic attacks despite reports of displacement, intimidation and loss of livelihoods affecting foreign nationals.
Mkwezalamba questioned why SADC has been quick to convene extraordinary summits on other security challenges, including the insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, while remaining largely silent on xenophobia.
According to him, the regional body has yet to issue a strong collective response or convene a summit of heads of state specifically to address the matter, raising concerns about its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Africans across the region.
The criticism also touches on the wider ideals of Pan-Africanism and regional solidarity.
Mkwezalamba noted that African countries have historically supported one another during times of conflict and hardship.
He pointed out that Malawi hosted refugees from neighbouring countries during periods of instability, while many African nations stood with South Africans during the struggle against apartheid.
In his view, the targeting of fellow Africans contradicts the spirit of unity that helped shape the continent’s liberation movements.
He further argued that the current hostility can no longer be explained solely by concerns over illegal immigration.
According to civil society groups, even foreigners with valid documentation are increasingly facing discrimination because of their nationality.
Such developments, they say, undermine SADC’s vision of regional integration and free movement of people within Southern Africa.
Mkwezalamba also challenged the notion that foreign nationals are responsible for South Africa’s economic difficulties.
He argued that migrants often identify business opportunities that others overlook and should not be blamed for pursuing legitimate economic activities.
Drawing parallels with Malawi, he cited the presence of successful entrepreneurs from countries such as Rwanda and Burundi, saying their success should be viewed as an opportunity for learning rather than a reason for exclusion.
