South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for closer cooperation among African states to promote lawful, orderly and well managed migration while addressing the structural challenges that continue to drive population movements across the continent.
Speaking at the opening of the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature of the Pan African Parliament in Johannesburg on Monday, Ramaphosa said migration should be managed through policies that uphold human dignity, respect the rule of law and strengthen regional cooperation. His remarks come at a time of heightened concern following recent attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, which have drawn regional and international attention.
Expressing regret over incidents in which foreign nationals have been subjected to violence and intimidation, Ramaphosa said such acts were inconsistent with South Africa’s constitutional values and legal obligations. He acknowledged that public concerns regarding irregular migration and pressures on public services exist within South African society, while emphasising that these challenges must be addressed through lawful governance rather than violence or vigilantism.
“As the South African government, we have taken a firm stance against any form of intimidation, vigilantism, or violence directed at foreign nationals,” Ramaphosa said. He added that South Africa’s response should combine effective immigration management with the protection of human dignity and adherence to the rule of law.
The President said migration remains a shared continental issue requiring collective responses rather than unilateral action. He urged African governments to work together to address the underlying factors contributing to migration, including armed conflict, political instability, governance challenges, poverty and limited economic opportunities. He also reiterated the importance of advancing peace initiatives, strengthening inclusive governance and creating conditions that enable sustainable economic development across the continent.
The address reflects ongoing discussions within African institutions about balancing national immigration management with commitments contained in regional and continental frameworks. These include the African Union’s long term aspirations for greater regional integration and the progressive movement of people, while recognising that implementation remains subject to national legislation and varying domestic circumstances.
Nelson Muffuh, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, also addressed delegates, describing human mobility as a longstanding feature of African societies that has contributed to economic development, cultural exchange and regional integration. He said contemporary migration challenges should be approached through evidence based public policy, regional cooperation and respect for legal frameworks rather than through exclusion or acts of violence.
South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of violence targeting foreign nationals over the past two decades. Recent incidents have included attacks on migrant owned businesses, forced business closures by vigilante groups and reports of fatalities. These developments have prompted renewed calls from governments, regional organisations and civil society for measures that protect affected communities while addressing legitimate concerns relating to border management, public safety and socio economic pressures.
The Pan African Parliament, established as an institution of the African Union, provides a forum for dialogue on issues affecting the continent, including governance, regional integration, peace, trade and human mobility. Discussions during the current parliamentary session are expected to examine a range of policy issues aimed at strengthening cooperation among African states.
Migration continues to shape Africa’s economic and social landscape through labour mobility, trade, family networks and educational opportunities. Policy experts increasingly argue that sustainable responses require cooperation between countries of origin, transit and destination, alongside investment in economic growth, conflict prevention and institutional capacity.
As African governments continue to navigate the complexities of migration, the debate increasingly centres on developing approaches that uphold national sovereignty while recognising the rights, dignity and shared aspirations of people across the continent.
