South Africa has warned Ghana against turning the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals into what it described as “public spectacles,” amid growing diplomatic tensions over the repatriation of citizens fleeing recent anti-immigrant violence in South Africa.
The dispute arose after Ghana’s embassy shared videos showing evacuees waving Ghanaian flags aboard repatriation flights. Ghana has been organizing flights to bring home citizens who no longer feel safe following a wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa.
Reacting to comments made by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, expressed displeasure with the way the evacuations were being portrayed publicly. He said South Africa’s intention had been to assist Ghana “in a humane and cordial manner” but warned that his government would not tolerate “public spectacles” characterized by what he called incomplete information and misinformation.
The evacuations began after Ghana raised concerns about attacks on foreign nationals and advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa. Hundreds of Ghanaians have already been repatriated, while more have registered for evacuation flights.
The controversy highlights growing diplomatic friction between the two countries as South Africa faces renewed criticism over recurring xenophobic violence targeting African migrants.
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