Pretoria: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to Pan-African solidarity, the rule of law, and constructive continental dialogue on migration following the final communiqu© issued at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government. In a statement on Thursday, DIRCO emphasized the importance of ECOWAS as a vital pillar of continental integration and South Africa's dedication to collaborating with the regional bloc on issues such as regional stability and migration management.
According to South African Government News Agency, DIRCO reiterated South Africa's firm opposition to all forms of discrimination, explicitly rejecting xenophobia, racism, homophobia, intolerance, and discrimination in all their manifestations. The department stressed that upholding the dignity of every person within South Africa's borders is both a constitutional obligation and a moral responsibility. DIRCO underscored its commitment to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring accountability for those who perpetrate violence or unlawful acts under South Africa's judicial system.
While South Africa addresses specific bilateral issues with West African countries like Ghana and Nigeria, DIRCO noted that the country's largest migration flows are concentrated within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized the need to elevate migration to the highest decision-making level of the African Union to address its underlying causes. Lamola advocated for establishing a dedicated agenda item at the African Union to tackle the primary push-and-pull factors and root causes of irregular migration, focusing on good governance, democracy, and economic stability. He suggested that discussions at the African Union Heads of State Summit could ensure that migration across the continent becomes a choice rather than a necessity.
DIRCO also addressed a petition submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by two Ghanaian civilians, describing it as opportunistic and lacking the legal thresholds required for the court's action. The department expressed confidence in South Africa's domestic legal framework under the principle of complementarity, highlighting the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act. This legislation aligns with South Africa's constitutional and international human rights obligations by criminalizing hate crimes and hate speech and ensuring the prosecution of offenders.
