DURBAN, South Africa — President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on regional leaders to unite in tackling irregular migration to South Africa, addressing a 16-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit on Monday following a severe backlash against foreign nationals that forced thousands to flee the country.
South Africa, the continent’s wealthiest nation, has long been a primary destination for migrants seeking better opportunities. However, the country is currently grappling with an unemployment rate exceeding 30 percent and massive economic inequality, domestic challenges that have recently fueled social tensions and xenophobic sentiments.
Briefing the regional bloc on the complexities of this migration challenge, President Cyril Ramaphosa used his closing address in the coastal city of Durban to stress that regional integration must be tangible and felt in the daily lives of citizens. He emphasized that peace, security, and stability are foundational to any meaningful progress, stating plainly that “peace without development is fragile, and development without peace is impossible.”
To address these complex political and social challenges, Ramaphosa advocated for sustained investment in preventative diplomacy, mediation, and political dialogue. He specifically called for strengthening the work of the SADC Panel of Elders, the Organ Troika, and other key regional institutions to foster proactive, collective action.
The president further urged member states to resolve any existing differences through constructive dialogue, uphold shared democratic principles, and act collectively whenever the peace and stability of the region are threatened. By prioritizing cooperative governance and regional solidarity, South Africa aims to address the root causes of irregular migration while safeguarding the rights and safety of all residents.
