By Editot
The recent pronouncements attributed to Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, have sent shockwaves across the African continent. Reports claiming that Tanzania issued a 48-hour ultimatum for South African nationals to leave its territory, alongside the closure of borders and suspension of exports to South Africa, signal a dramatic escalation in tensions that touches on one of Africa’s most sensitive and enduring challenges: xenophobia and intra-African division.
Whether fully verified or still emerging, the narrative reflects a deeper, undeniable truth—relations between African nations are being strained by recurring incidents of violence against migrants, particularly within South Africa.
Historical Memory vs Present Reality
At the heart of this dispute lies a painful contradiction. During the struggle against Apartheid, many African nations stood in unwavering solidarity with South Africans. Countries like Tanzania provided refuge, training grounds, and diplomatic support to liberation movements. Zimbabwe, among others, played a critical role in supporting the anti-apartheid cause.
President Hassan’s reported remarks—that South Africa has “forgotten the support it received”—tap into a widely shared sentiment across the continent. For many Africans, the current treatment of migrants in South Africa feels like a betrayal of that shared history.
Xenophobia: A Recurring Wound
South Africa has, over the years, witnessed repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence, often targeting migrants from other African countries. These incidents are frequently fueled by economic hardship, unemployment, and competition over limited resources. However, the consequences go far beyond domestic tensions—they ripple across borders, affecting diplomatic relations and continental unity.
For citizens of countries like Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Somalia, and others, the fear and uncertainty associated with living in South Africa have become a harsh reality. The issue is no longer just about isolated violence; it has evolved into a continental concern demanding urgent attention.
SADC’s Silence and the Limits of Regional Diplomacy
The role of Southern African Development Community (SADC) in resolving such disputes has increasingly come under scrutiny. Established to promote regional cooperation and stability, SADC has often been criticized for its slow or muted responses to crises involving member states.
In moments like this, the absence of decisive action raises difficult questions:
Is regional diplomacy failing to protect African citizens?
Are political alliances taking precedence over human rights?
And most importantly, who holds nations accountable when solidarity breaks down?
Borders That Divide More Than They Protect
This unfolding situation also exposes a deeper structural issue—the enduring legacy of colonial borders. Arbitrarily drawn, these borders fragmented communities, cultures, and economies that were once interconnected. Today, they continue to shape political tensions, migration patterns, and economic disparities.
As African nations turn against each other, these colonial-era divisions appear more pronounced. The irony is stark: while African states struggle among themselves, the global powers that once imposed these borders largely remain observers, often benefiting indirectly from Africa’s internal discord.
A Dangerous Precedent
If the reported measures by Tanzania were to be fully implemented, they would set a significant precedent. Economic retaliation, border closures, and forced expulsions between African nations risk normalizing a cycle of hostility that undermines continental integration efforts such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Such actions could:
Disrupt trade and regional economies
Endanger ordinary citizens caught in diplomatic disputes
Deepen mistrust among African nations
The Way Forward: Reclaiming African Unity
This moment calls for more than reaction—it demands reflection and decisive leadership. African unity cannot remain a symbolic ideal; it must be actively protected through policy, accountability, and mutual respect.
Key steps forward include:
Stronger regional enforcement mechanisms within SADC and the African Union
Clear policies protecting migrants across African states
Economic reforms addressing root causes of xenophobia
Renewed commitment to Pan-African
The situation, as described, is more than a diplomatic dispute—it is a test of Africa’s identity and future. Will the continent allow historical grievances and present frustrations to divide it further, or will it rise to reaffirm the principles of unity that once defined its liberation struggles?
Africa’s strength has always been in its collective resilience. But resilience alone is no longer enough. What is needed now is accountability, leadership, and a renewed vision of what it truly means to be united as Africans.
Comments
About Author
