Julius Malema, a prominent South African politician and former freedom fighter, has called for unity among African nations, urging South Africans to recognize that Nigerian, Ghanaian, Malawian, and other African migrants are not their enemies. Speaking publicly on Thursday in South Africa, Malema condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks that have led to violence, displacement, and loss of life across the country. He emphasized that both the attackers and the attacked are victims of a global system of inequality and exploitation that keeps African people poor while a small elite accumulates wealth.
Malema highlighted that repeated waves of anti-African violence have targeted migrants from countries including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These attacks have resulted in killings, looting, and forced displacement, creating a climate of fear and insecurity for foreign nationals living in South Africa. He stressed that violence in any form cannot be justified, especially when it divides African people who share similar struggles under economic hardship and systemic injustice.
According to Malema, Nigerian street traders and South African workers are not enemies, just as Somali shopkeepers and township residents are not enemies. He argued that the real enemy is the economic system that perpetuates poverty and inequality across the continent. Citing the words of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, Malema reminded Africans that the forces uniting them are stronger than the artificial divisions imposed by colonialism and global capitalism.
His remarks come amid growing concern over the safety of African migrants in South Africa. On Wednesday, approximately 300 Ghanaians were evacuated from South Africa to Ghana following a surge in xenophobic attacks. Several other African countries have also announced plans to repatriate their citizens due to the escalating violence. These evacuations reflect the deepening crisis and the urgent need for regional cooperation to address the root causes of xenophobia.
Malema’s message is a call for solidarity and collective action among African nations. He urged leaders and citizens alike to reject hate and embrace unity in the face of shared challenges. As African countries continue to grapple with economic instability and social unrest, his words underscore the importance of addressing systemic issues rather than scapegoating vulnerable communities. The future of African unity depends on the ability of nations to stand together against injustice and exploitation.
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