Ghanaians' ICC petition over migrant attacks 'opportunistic', says South Africa

"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."The ICC has not yet commented publicly on whether it will consider the petition.On Sunday, leaders from the West African regional bloc Ecowas condemned the reported attacks on African migrants in South Africa, especially the "despicable treatment of West African citizens". They called on the South African authorities to act swiftly to end the violence and ensure the safety of foreign nationals.Responding to criticism, South Africa said it "categorically reject[s] xenophobia, racism, homophobia, and intolerance and discrimination in all their manifestations", describing respect for the dignity of everyone within its borders as both a constitutional and moral duty.South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns about migration but has condemned attacks against migrants, warning citizens against taking the law into their own hands.With regard to the ICC petition, the country's foreign ministry said South Africa remained "steadfast in maintaining the rule of law" and would ensure that "those who perpetrate violence or unlawful acts are held fully accountable under our judicial system".It called for broader African Union (AU) talks on the root causes of migration across the continent.