The West African Bar Association (WABA) has strongly condemned the rising wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, warning that the “Foreigners Must Go” campaign poses a serious threat to human dignity, regional unity and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on April 29, 2026, and jointly signed by its Acting President, Bornor Varmah, Esq., and Secretary-General, Adesina Adegbite, FICMC, MCIArb, the association described the development as a grave violation of fundamental human rights.

WABA expressed deep concern over reports of harassment, intimidation, violent attacks, forced displacement, and alleged killings of foreign nationals, including citizens of West African countries, noting that many of the victims are law-abiding residents, professionals and entrepreneurs.

The body said such acts run contrary to the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly the rights to dignity, equality, freedom of movement and protection against discrimination.

It reminded the South African government of its constitutional responsibility to protect all persons within its territory, regardless of nationality, stressing that xenophobia undermines the country’s democratic values and threatens pan-African solidarity.

“The Government of South Africa must demonstrate clearly that it neither condones nor is complicit in the ongoing violence against foreign nationals,” the association stated.

WABA, therefore, called on the South African authorities to take immediate and decisive steps to halt the attacks, ensure the safety of foreign nationals, and bring perpetrators to justice.

The association also urged the government to embark on public enlightenment campaigns promoting tolerance and inclusion, while engaging affected countries with a view to providing compensation to victims.

It further called for collaboration with regional bodies such as the African Union and ECOWAS to reinforce commitments to African unity and cooperation.

WABA appealed to civil society organisations, the media and community leaders to reject divisive narratives and work towards peaceful coexistence.

Reaffirming its solidarity with victims, the association maintained that Africa’s strength lies in its unity, warning that hostility against fellow Africans is not only unlawful but fundamentally un-African.

See below, the Statement issued by WABA in English, Portuguese and French