Pan-Africanist warns repeated attacks threaten African unity, calls for justice and accountability

Prominent Kenyan lawyer and pan-Africanist, Prof. PLO Lumumba, has urged the South African government to compensate victims of recurring xenophobic attacks, insisting that authorities must take full responsibility for safeguarding all Africans living within the country.

Lumumba made the call while reacting to renewed violence targeting foreign nationals and their businesses in parts of South Africa. He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and damaging to the spirit of African brotherhood.

According to him, beyond condemning the violence, the South African government must ensure justice is served by holding perpetrators accountable while also providing compensation to victims who have suffered losses.

“Compensation is not just a legal obligation but a moral one,” Lumumba argued, noting that many victims have lost livelihoods, property, and in some cases, their sense of safety and belonging.

He warned that the persistent wave of xenophobic violence poses a serious threat to African unity and undermines ongoing efforts toward regional integration across the continent.

“No African should be treated as a foreigner in Africa,” he stressed, reiterating the need for governments to uphold the ideals of pan-Africanism and protect the rights of all citizens within the continent, regardless of nationality.

Lumumba’s remarks come amid growing concern over fresh attacks on migrants and foreign-owned businesses, which have sparked outrage across Africa and renewed calls for stronger, decisive action by South African authorities.

Analysts say his intervention adds to increasing pressure on Pretoria to not only curb the violence but also address its root causes, including economic tensions, unemployment, and misinformation about foreign nationals.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders across the continent continue to demand concrete steps to prevent further attacks and reinforce Africa’s commitment to unity, dignity, and shared prosperity.