SECAM Expresses Serious Concern Over Violence Against Foreign Nationals in South Africa
Accra – The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has expressed deep concern regarding the recent incidents in South Africa, which have been characterized by xenophobic violence against individuals from other African nations.
“In these particularly severe circumstances, SECAM conveys its fraternal and ecclesial solidarity with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) for its courageous stance in support of African migrants facing discrimination and xenophobia,” the organization responsible for communion, consultation, and coordination of the Catholic Church in Africa and its neighboring islands stated on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.
SECAM also extended its heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by this violence, as well as to their families who have suffered greatly.
“At the core of this crisis lies a profound challenge to the human conscience,” SECAM remarked.
“Biblical teachings convey that each individual is created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26-27), a truth that affirms the boundless dignity of every human being, irrespective of their origin, nationality, tribe, culture, or migration status.”
SECAM strongly emphasized that this dignity should serve as the main criterion for all social organization and public policies.
SECAM stated: “Any violence aimed at foreigners represents not only a grave violation of human rights but also undermines the foundations of universal brotherhood and the Africa we aspire to create.”
SECAM reaffirmed the necessity for a balance between the rightful sovereignty of states and the critical need for migrants to honor the laws and customs of their host nation.
As outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may impose various legal conditions on the exercise of the right to immigrate, particularly concerning the responsibilities of immigrants to their host country.”
“Immigrants are required to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the host nation, comply with its laws, and contribute to civic responsibilities.” (CCC, n. 2241).
SECAM condemned the recent acts of violence in South Africa as a serious infringement of African principles and continental law.
“These actions violate the fundamental rights guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly the rights to life, dignity, security, and equality before the law,” SECAM stated.
“They also contradict the continent’s foundational values, such as African solidarity, the Ubuntu spirit – I am because we are – and the principles of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.”
In light of these troubling developments, SECAM urges the South African Government to adopt immediate, concrete, and sustainable measures to safeguard all individuals within its borders, in line with its continental and international obligations.
SECAM called for impartial investigations into these matters, urging that those responsible be identified and prosecuted, vigilante justice be curbed, and the legitimate authority of the state be strengthened.
SECAM also appealed to the African Union to take full responsibility for upholding continental values, ensuring the effective implementation of African human rights laws, and fostering mechanisms for preventing and addressing xenophobic violence.
The credibility of Africa, which seeks to emerge as a key player on the global stage, is at stake.
SECAM urged individuals to reject all forms of violence, hate speech, and stigmatization, and to avoid divisive rhetoric among African peoples, fostering instead a culture of understanding, dialogue, and pan-African solidarity.
“Following the example of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–35), we must rediscover an ethic of empathy, recognizing that the stranger is not a threat, but rather a brother or sister whom we are called to protect,” stated Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa
President of SECAM.
“At this critical moment, SECAM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to migrants, the impoverished, and the most vulnerable, promoting a society built on justice, peace, human dignity, and dialogue among African peoples and nations.
It invites all people of goodwill to strive diligently toward the creation of a reconciled Africa, dedicated to its vocation of embodying a family of peoples united in dignity and solidarity, from Cairo to Cape Town.”
SECAM assured all victims of xenophobic violence of its spiritual, pastoral, and supportive presence: “Dear brothers and sisters, you are not alone; we will never abandon you.”
Meanwhile, the South African Presidency has disputed the characterization of anti-immigrant protests as xenophobic.
This issue was discussed during the visit of Mozambique President Daniel Chapo to South Africa earlier this week.
However, Presidents Chapo and Cyril Ramaphosa agreed that South Africa is not inherently xenophobic.
In a press conference on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, President Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, stated: “South Africa is not xenophobic… South Africans are not xenophobic.
“What we have are pockets of protests… which are permissible within our constitutional framework.
“Additionally, the issue of immigration acts as a pressure point, not only in South Africa but across the globe, where similar protests occur.
“From our perspective, it is essential to honor the rights of everyone within our borders… and to ensure that protests are conducted peacefully without harming anyone.”
The spokesperson further revealed that Presidents Ramaphosa and Chapo also agreed that the continent needs to collaborate in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to high levels of migration within Africa.
Magwenya pointed to conflicts, instability, and misgovernance as key factors driving migration.
“The condemnation we have received from various sectors of the continent should lead to more than just denunciations; it should also foster constructive engagement regarding the issues and factors prompting people to leave their birth countries in search of refuge elsewhere.”