Ghanaian nationals calls ICC to probe xenophobic violence in South Africa

Two Ghanaian nationals have petitioned the International Criminal Court to open a preliminary investigation into attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, which ​they said could constitute crimes against humanity.

South Africa has been gripped ‌by a surge in anti-immigrant protests in recent months, accompanied in some cases by violence against foreigners, whom protesters blame for problems such as crime and unemployment.

The petition, which has been ​seen by Reuters and was submitted to the court on July 15, ​alleges a "pattern of widespread and systematic attacks" against migrants in South ⁠Africa and accuses President Cyril Ramaphosa's government of failing to prevent or ​punish those crimes, including murder.

It was filed by Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former Ghanaian government ​spokesperson on governance and security, and Emmanuel Kotin, a counter-terrorism and security analyst.

"For years, African brothers and sisters have been killed, beaten, and driven from their homes in South Africa," ​they said in a press release.

'SERIOUS QUESTIONS'

"While we commend individuals in South Africa ​who have condemned these acts, the pattern, scale, and recurrence of the violence raise serious ‌questions ⁠about the failure of state authorities to prevent, investigate, and punish these crimes," it said.

A spokesperson for Ramaphosa did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Ramaphosa has previously condemned the attacks and warned against scapegoating immigrants for deep-rooted problems.

A ​South African foreign ​ministry spokesperson declined ⁠to comment on the petition. The ICC, which prosecutes war crimes and crimes against humanity, did not immediately respond to ​a request for comment.

Several African migrants have been killed in ​the violence, ⁠while others have been beaten and have seen their homes and shops looted. Tens of thousands have fled the country.

South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence ⁠for years ​even though the number of migrants it hosts — ​roughly 5% of the population — is low by international standards.


-Reuters