South Africa has rejected a petition filed at the International Criminal Court (ICC) by two Ghanaians, who are seeking an investigation into attacks on foreigners in the country. The petition, submitted last week, argues that the violence could amount to crimes against humanity and accuses the South African government of failing to prevent and punish those responsible. The South African foreign ministry has dismissed the petition as 'opportunistic' and claims that the country's own legal system is capable of handling such matters. The move comes as diplomatic tensions between Ghana and South Africa continue to escalate over the situation. Ghana was one of the first African countries to repatriate its citizens from South Africa following the latest wave of anti-migrant protests.
The petition, filed by Palgrave Boakye-Danquah and Emmanuel Kotin, alleges a 'pattern of widespread and systematic attacks' against migrants in South Africa. It is based on reports of violence and intimidation against foreign nationals, particularly those from other African countries. The two Ghanaian nationals have called on the ICC to investigate the situation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The South African government has responded to criticism by condemning attacks against migrants and warning citizens against taking the law into their own hands. The country's foreign ministry has also called for broader African Union talks on the root causes of migration across the continent.