South Africa has called for an Africa-wide conference to address migration issues on the continent following weeks of deadly anti-migrant violence and rising tensions over undocumented foreign workers within its borders.

The proposed meeting aims to revisit a decade-old African Union (AU) decision that frames migration as a matter of economic development, regional integration, peace, and governance. It also seeks to tackle the root causes of anti-migrant sentiment and develop a unified response to xenophobia, discrimination, and violence across Africa.

"Migration is a continental phenomenon whose consequences extend beyond the jurisdiction of any single state," the South African foreign ministry stated. Despite Africa's participation in global migration discussions, the continent has yet to hold a comprehensive forum where member states collectively examine migration challenges and opportunities.

The call comes amid recurring anti-migrant violence in South Africa spanning nearly two decades, with protests intensifying this year after vigilante groups demanded undocumented foreigners leave by June 30. More than 176,000 people have reportedly left South Africa in recent weeks, based on an AFP tally of repatriations by African countries.

At least four migrants have been killed in the violence, according to South African police, though some foreign governments suggest the death toll may be higher.

South Africa also noted that the AU's executive council, which met recently in Ethiopia, decided not to include migration on the agenda for the bloc's mid-term review meeting scheduled in Egypt this October.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was in Brazil on March 9, 2026, prior to this announcement.

Sources