Ghanaians ask International Criminal Court to examine years of anti-migrant violence in South Africa

Two Ghanaian nationals have petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate years of xenophobic violence in South Africa, arguing that repeated attacks on foreign nationals may constitute crimes against humanity. The petition, submitted by Palgrave Boakye-Danquah and Emmanuel Kotin, seeks accountability for recurring migrant attacks between 2015 and 2026, which allegedly include killings, assaults, looting, and forced displacement. The petitioners also claim South African authorities have failed to adequately prevent or prosecute this violence. While the ICC has confirmed receipt of the communication, it stated that such submissions do not automatically trigger a formal investigation. This action follows recent anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, which has led to the repatriation of citizens from countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi.

South Africa has called a petition filed with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by Ghanaians regarding migrant attacks "opportunistic." The petition alleges that the violence against migrants in South Africa could constitute crimes against humanity, citing the pattern, scale, and recurrence of attacks and questioning state authorities' failure to prevent, investigate, and punish them. While South Africa's foreign ministry stated the country is steadfast in maintaining the rule of law and holding perpetrators accountable, it also called for broader African Union talks on the root causes of migration. The West African regional bloc Ecowas has also condemned the attacks and urged South African authorities to act swiftly. The ICC has not yet commented on the petition.