MIDRAND, South Africa — Southern Region Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Chairperson and Zimbabwe’s Government Chief Whip, Pupurai Togarepi, has called for a united continental approach to addressing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging African nations to work together with the South African Government rather than assigning blame.
Hon Togarepi made the remarks during debate on a motion on the escalating Afrophobic attacks against African compatriots in the Republic of South Africa, which was moved by Hon Lazare Yao Yao of Côte d’Ivoire, at the ongoing Pan-African Parliament Session in Midrand.
He said xenophobic violence should not be viewed as a problem created by the South African Government, but rather as criminal acts perpetrated by certain individuals and groups pursuing their own interests.
Hon Togarepi stressed that the challenge requires collective action from all African governments, noting that lasting solutions can only be achieved through cooperation, dialogue and strengthened solidarity among member states.
He urged African countries to support the South African Government’s efforts to curb the attacks and protect all people living within its borders, saying the issue should unite the continent instead of creating divisions among sister nations.
“The responsibility before us is not to apportion blame but to find lasting solutions together. As Africans, we must stand in solidarity and work collectively with the South African Government to end these unfortunate incidents,” he said.
Hon Togarepi further emphasised that the ideals of Pan-Africanism demand unity, peaceful coexistence and the protection of the rights and dignity of all Africans, regardless of the country in which they reside.
He said the Pan-African Parliament remains an important platform for fostering dialogue and promoting practical measures that strengthen regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges affecting the continent.
The debate formed part of the Parliament’s broader commitment to advancing peace, unity and integration across Africa.
