Hanghuwo calls for united African response to xenophobia and migration
Namibian Member of Parliament Hon. Olivia Hanghuwo has called on African leaders to adopt a united continental response to xenophobia and the root causes of migration, saying no single country should bear the responsibility alone.
Hanghuwo made the remarks during her maiden contribution at the Seventh Pan-African Parliament, where members debated escalating Afrophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa and considered a motion urging stronger measures to prevent and eliminate xenophobic violence.
Addressing fellow parliamentarians, Hanghuwo welcomed the South African government’s condemnation of violence targeting foreign nationals, describing it as an important demonstration of leadership.
“The Government of South Africa has taken a firm stand against all forms of intimidation and violence directed at foreign nationals. Such leadership sends a clear message that violence and hatred have no place in our African societies,” she said.
She stressed that migration is a continental challenge requiring collective action from African states, rather than isolated national responses.
“The challenges of migration are not the responsibility of one country alone. They are a continental issue that requires a continental response,” Hanghuwo said.
She urged African governments to tackle the underlying drivers of migration, including conflict, unemployment, poverty, inequality and limited economic opportunities, while strengthening regional integration and promoting inclusive development across the continent.
Hanghuwo further called on African leaders and citizens to embrace the principles of Ubuntu, solidarity and peaceful coexistence as the foundation for lasting unity.
“Let us commit ourselves to building an Africa where unity prevails over division, where differences are resolved peacefully, and where every African is afforded dignity, respect and equal protection,” she said.
The debate at the Pan-African Parliament comes amid renewed concern over recurring xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have at times been subjected to violence, intimidation and discrimination.
Members of the continental legislative body used the session to call for stronger cooperation among African states to protect migrants’ rights and address the socio-economic factors driving migration.
Hanghuwo’s intervention underscored the need for African countries to work together in promoting peace, human dignity and regional solidarity while addressing the challenges that continue to fuel migration across the continent.
