Xenophobic violence shadows South Africa at Brics summit in New Delhi

South Africa’s recent wave of xenophobic attacks cast a shadow over the 18th Brics Summit in New Delhi, which ended yesterday, as African journalists and leaders raised alarm about the scale and consequences of the violence.

Delegations press Pretoria over attacks

President Cyril Ramaphosa attended the summit alongside leaders from affected countries, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ugandan Vice‑President Jessica Alupo, and Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu. Bilateral meetings took place during the summit to discuss the attacks and the repatriation of thousands of people.

Deaths deepen concerns

The summit discussions were overshadowed by reports of fatalities linked to the unrest. The killings reported in the days following the violence included Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunie, at his home in Kensington, Johannesburg, on 4 September, and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo in Cape Town on 5 September, which were alleged to have occurred during interrogation by the South African police.

Voices from the continent

Journalists and diplomatic correspondents from across Africa voiced disappointment and concern about how the attacks have affected South Africa’s image.

“Being undocumented does not make someone inherently criminal, and it certainly should not justify harassment or violence,”

said Waniala Paul, a multimedia producer from Uganda’s Vision Group, while also noting that there was “a legitimate conversation to be had about irregular migration” and that governments have responsibilities around immigration and labour laws.

Idehai Frederick, chair of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria, described the attacks as undermining African solidarity and the spirit of Pan‑African brotherhood. He rejected claims that African migrants fuel crime and warned that perceptions are changing because some government officials have openly supported the xenophobic actions and aided and defended perpetrators. He said the concern was whether enough is being done to prevent and punish xenophobia.

Aftermath and political fallout

Delegations continued to debate the issue in the corridors of the summit as concern mounted over Pretoria’s response to the violence. The repatriation of thousands of people was discussed by African leaders during bilateral meetings at the summit.

What remained clear

• The 18th Brics Summit in New Delhi ended yesterday.
• Several African leaders at the summit raised the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
• Reports referenced the repatriation of thousands and at least two deaths linked to the unrest, with specific names and dates reported.

Editors’ note: This article is based solely on reporting contained in the source material.