Malema Says Ghana's Evacuation of Citizens From South Africa Was Premature and Unnecessary
Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters, has criticised Ghana’s decision to evacuate its nationals from South Africa, calling the move premature and warning it risks inflaming an already sensitive situation.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Mr Malema said Ghana’s response to reports of xenophobic attacks against its citizens was “not necessary at that moment” and could deepen divisions rather than resolve them.
“The Ghana response was not necessary, and it now creates a perception that we are all like that,” Mr Malema said, cautioning that such narratives could stigmatise communities and complicate law enforcement efforts.
The comments come as Ghana’s government, led by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has facilitated the voluntary return of dozens of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa in recent days, following reports of escalating xenophobic threats targeting foreign workers in several provinces.
Mr Malema argued that diplomatic engagement should have taken precedence over a public evacuation operation. “We don’t think Ghana responded in a manner that really enforces dialogue and diplomatic engagement. It actually creates a very bad, extreme situation,” he said.
The EFF leader revealed that South African authorities are still engaging stakeholders to stabilise conditions and ensure the protection of affected Ghanaian nationals. “We are persuading government to still act on this, and we are saying they must give us time,” he stated.
He also addressed the practical safety of Ghanaians remaining in the country, saying legally documented migrants who feel unsafe should seek protection at police stations. “Those that feel safe, especially the legally documented Ghanaians, should be able to run to the police station for safety, and they will be directed to rightful places where they will be secured,” he said.
Mr Malema referenced accounts from affected individuals, including a Ghanaian woman who described alleged mistreatment and a lack of police intervention during incidents. While acknowledging the emotional weight of such experiences, he insisted that Ghana’s response should have been delayed to allow South African authorities time to manage the crisis internally.
“This is an emotional issue for many of them, and I understand that,” he said. “We think the reaction from the Ghana government should have been postponed a bit to give us the opportunity to deal with what is happening here in South Africa.”
The Ghanaian government has defended its evacuation programme as a responsible measure to protect citizens abroad. Officials have stressed that the operation is voluntary and that returnees are being supported with reintegration packages upon arrival in Accra.
The diplomatic exchange highlights the broader tension between national sovereignty over domestic security and the obligation of African governments to protect their citizens across the continent. South Africa has faced repeated waves of xenophobic violence in recent years, straining relations with several neighbouring and fellow African Union member states.
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