Ramaphosa Condemns Vigilantism, Calls for African Cooperation on Migration Challenges

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly denounced acts of vigilantism linked to recent protests against undocumented immigrants and called for greater regional and continental cooperation to address the root causes of migration across Africa.

Speaking during the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission in Gaborone on Thursday, President Ramaphosa addressed growing concerns around migration, economic pressures and social tensions affecting several communities in South Africa.

The President reaffirmed South Africa’s longstanding commitment to welcoming and integrating migrants from across the African continent since the country’s democratic transition in 1994. However, he acknowledged that the country has also experienced a significant influx of undocumented migrants over the years, creating complex social and economic challenges.

Ramaphosa noted that rising unemployment, poverty and economic hardship in many communities have contributed to growing tensions between local residents and foreign nationals, particularly in areas already facing limited economic opportunities and pressure on public services.

Referring to recent demonstrations and incidents involving violence against undocumented immigrants, the President made it clear that the South African government does not support citizens taking the law into their own hands.

He strongly condemned all forms of vigilantism and emphasized that the rule of law must remain the foundation for addressing migration-related concerns and maintaining public order.

According to Ramaphosa, law enforcement agencies have been instructed to protect every individual living within South Africa’s borders and ensure that constitutional rights and legal protections are upheld regardless of nationality or immigration status.

The President said recent events have once again highlighted deeper structural and regional challenges linked to migration that require collective African solutions rather than isolated national responses.

He welcomed increasing calls for broader regional and continental discussions focused on the drivers of migration, including economic inequality, instability, conflict and governance challenges in different parts of Africa.

Ramaphosa stressed the importance of addressing not only the responsibilities of destination countries but also the roles of countries of origin and transit nations in managing migration flows more effectively and humanely.

Observers note that migration has become an increasingly sensitive issue in South Africa amid persistent unemployment, economic strain and social inequality, with periodic outbreaks of anti-immigrant sentiment and violence drawing concern from human rights groups and neighbouring countries.

Beyond migration, President Ramaphosa also raised concerns over several major security and humanitarian crises affecting the African continent.

He expressed deep concern about the deteriorating situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where instability and armed conflict continue to threaten regional peace and security.

The President stressed the importance of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the DRC and called on all parties involved in the conflict to pursue negotiated and peaceful solutions.

Ramaphosa also highlighted the devastating impact of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, describing it as a major humanitarian catastrophe that has resulted in widespread loss of life, destruction of infrastructure and severe economic disruption.

The conflict in Sudan has displaced millions of people and intensified humanitarian challenges across the region, prompting growing concern from African leaders and international organisations.

In addition, the President voiced concern over political instability and unresolved tensions in neighbouring South Sudan, warning that instability in multiple regions poses serious risks to continental development and economic progress.

Ramaphosa stressed that sustainable development across Africa depends on peace, stability and secure governance environments.

He further argued that the increasing number of global and regional conflicts demonstrates the urgent need to strengthen multilateral cooperation and reform international governance institutions.

According to the President, existing global institutions must better reflect the diversity and realities of the modern international community, particularly the interests and representation of African nations within global decision-making systems.

Ramaphosa also reiterated support for the operationalisation of the African Standby Force, stating that stronger continental peace and security mechanisms are becoming increasingly necessary in light of escalating instability in various regions.

Political analysts say the President’s remarks reflect South Africa’s continued emphasis on regional diplomacy, African solidarity and multilateral cooperation while balancing growing domestic pressures related to migration and economic inequality.

The discussions at the Bi-National Commission further highlighted the interconnected nature of migration, security, development and governance challenges across Southern Africa and the wider continent.