NAIROBI — Pan-Africanist scholar Professor PLO Lumumba has called on African governments to take a stronger diplomatic position against South Africa over alleged mistreatment of African migrants.
Speaking on the issue, Lumumba criticized what he described as continued silence from many African states, arguing that Africans across the continent are facing humiliation, discrimination, and dehumanization in some parts of South Africa without a coordinated response from African leadership.
Lumumba proposed that African governments recall their ambassadors from South Africa for consultations as a form of diplomatic pressure. He further suggested that Pretoria should also be asked to recall its ambassadors for structured dialogue aimed at addressing tensions and clarifying concerns.
He argued that such measures would not amount to hostility, but rather serve as a “serious diplomatic warning” that African states must not ignore the treatment of their citizens abroad.
According to him, failure to respond collectively risks weakening the credibility of African institutions and undermining the principle of continental solidarity.
The scholar warned that continued inaction could erode African unity and damage the foundations of the Pan-African movement, which is built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared dignity among African nations.
He urged African leaders, regional bodies, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens to speak out against discrimination and work toward a stronger collective response to issues affecting Africans within the continent.
Lumumba emphasized that unity should not only be political or economic, but also moral—grounded in the protection of human dignity and equal treatment for all Africans regardless of nationality.
His remarks come amid long-standing debates about the treatment of African migrants in South Africa, where tensions have periodically risen over issues such as unemployment, competition for resources, and social integration.
Observers note that while South Africa remains one of Africa’s largest economies and a key diplomatic actor, migration-related tensions continue to challenge its relations with several African states.
Lumumba concluded by stressing that African unity must be demonstrated in practice, not only in speeches or treaties, but in decisive action when Africans face injustice anywhere on the continent.
