The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights deplores the xenophobic attacks and vigilante conduct perpetrated on nationals of other African countries in the Republic of South Africa
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), through the Country Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, expresses grave concern over recent reports of xenophobic violence and acts of intimidation against nationals of other African countries in South Africa.
The Commission has learned from reports that there have been incidents of xenophobic violence perpetrated against nationals of other African countries, allegedly on account of their legal status. The Commission is particularly alarmed by allegations of assaults and harassment carried out by vigilante groups targeting individuals perceived to be undocumented migrants.
The Commission notes with grave concern that the latest incident, which forms part of a longstanding pattern of xenophobic violence in South Africa, including the 1998 killing of three foreign nationals in Johannesburg, the August 2000 killings in Cape Town, the May 2008 nationwide attacks resulting in over 60 deaths, 1 700 injuries and 100 000 displacements, the 2009 displacement of Zimbabweans in De Doorns, the 2015 nationwide xenophobic violence requiring military intervention, and ongoing incidents in the 2020s linked to groups such as Operation Dudula, including the disruption of a church service held by the Mapostori group in Limpopo Province, South Africa in 2022 and where its members systematically blocked entrances to public health facilities in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, demanding that individuals show proof of citizenship before receiving care in 2025 – constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter).
The Commission affirms the fundamental rights of all individuals, including non-nationals, to equality, dignity and the security of their person, lives and property. The xenophobic attacks not only constitute possible violations or abuse of Articles 3, 4, 5, 12, 14 and 28 of the African Charter but also are contrary to the principle of African solidarity, which underpins the African Charter.
Furthermore, the Commission reiterates that the responsibility to enforce immigration laws rests solely with duly authorised State institutions, and that any form of vigilante justice or mob action constitutes a violation of the rule of law and undermines the State’s human rights obligations.
While noting public statements by South African authorities condemning unlawful conduct, the Commission emphasises that such expressions must be accompanied by prompt, concrete, and sustained measures to prevent recurrence and ensure accountability.
In view of the foregoing, the African Commission calls upon the Government of the Republic of South Africa to take the following actions:
1. Conduct Prompt, Thorough and Impartial Investigations into all reported incidents of violence and intimidation against foreign nationals, in accordance with international human rights standards.
2. Ensure Accountability and Access to Justice by identifying, prosecuting, and sanctioning all perpetrators, including those involved in organising or inciting such acts, and ensure that victims have access to effective remedies and reparations.
3. Take decisive measures to dismantle and prevent the operation of vigilante groups engaging in unlawful enforcement activities, including through clear public directives and strengthened law enforcement responses.
4. Enhance protection measures for migrants and other non-nationals, particularly in areas identified as high-risk, including through increased security presence and accessible reporting mechanisms.
5. Develop and implement comprehensive strategies, including public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives, to address the root causes of xenophobia and counter misinformation.
6. Strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure that law enforcement agencies act in compliance with human rights standards and that the rule of law is upheld at all times.
The African Commission will continue to monitor the situation closely and remains ready to engage with the Government of South Africa to ensure that justice, accountability, and the protection of human and peoples’ rights are assured.
Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, PhD
Country Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Republic of South Africa
Done this 26th day of April 2026
