RELIGIOUS leaders, women of faith and interfaith youth representatives from across Africa have strongly condemned xenophobia, hate speech and violence targeting migrants, refugees and foreign nationals, calling for greater continental unity, compassion and protection of human dignity.
In a joint Interfaith Statement of Solidarity adopted on June 11 under the auspices of the African Council of Religious Leaders — Religions for Peace, the faith leaders expressed deep concern over growing incidents of intimidation, exclusion, displacement and violence in South Africa and other parts of the continent.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in South Africa, where anti-immigrant groups have intensified campaigns against foreign nationals. Faith leaders warned that xenophobia threatens social cohesion, undermines Africa's integration agenda and erodes the values of solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
"We condemn all forms of xenophobia, hate, crime, incitement, discrimination and violence against persons on the basis of their nationality, ethnicity or place of origin," the statement read.
The leaders stressed that while many African communities face serious social and economic challenges, these difficulties should never be used to justify hostility or violence against fellow Africans.
"Fear and frustration cannot become a basis for hatred or the denial of another person's dignity and rights," the statement said.
Drawing on the teachings of different faith traditions, the religious leaders reaffirmed the importance of justice, compassion, peace and the protection of vulnerable people.
"As people of faith, we affirm that every person is endowed with inherent worth and dignity. Our faith traditions call us to uphold justice, protect the vulnerable, welcome the stranger and promote peace," they said.
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The leaders rejected divisive narratives based on nationality, ethnicity, religion or identity, saying Africa's future depends on co-operation, mutual respect and recognition of a shared humanity. Invoking the philosophy of Ubuntu, they stressed that the wellbeing of one community is inseparable from that of another.
The interfaith grouping urged governments, civil society organisations, media institutions and community leaders to reject narratives of fear and exclusion and instead promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
The statement also called on the African Union to accelerate implementation of the African passport and the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons in Africa, describing them as important tools for continental integration and human dignity.
Faith leaders said easing travel, residence and cross-border engagement helped to reduce discrimination, strengthen people-to-people connections and promote shared prosperity. They urged regional blocs, including Sadc, to advance free movement initiatives while addressing migration challenges through humane and rights-based approaches.
The condemnation comes as anti-immigrant groups in South Africa, including Operation Dudula and a movement led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, have intensified calls for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country, raising fears of possible violence and unrest.
