ACPST course: Xenophobia in Africa

The course examined xenophobia within the broader context of exclusion and identity.

Date: 2015-05-06 to 2015-05-08

Venue: Nairobi Kenya

Xenophobia is becoming a prominent aspect of life in Africa. From Kenya to the Maghreb and across Southern Africa, discrimination against non-nationals, particularly fellow Africans, has been on the rise according to international media reports. Exclusion, based on the idea of being ‘non-native’ has existed in Africa since independence (and was codified during colonialism). Bounded ideas of citizenship have existed in Africa for two centuries, and contemporary xenophobia can be seen as one of the most recent manifestations of this feature.

This three-day course examined xenophobia within the broader context of exclusion and identity. It interrogated discrimination based on national identity in various parts of Africa, and explored questions such as: Why has xenophobia risen so sharply in recent years? What leads to xenophobic violence? What and how can we transform actions and behaviours towards a more inclusive society?

Presenters discussed historical and current sources of hatred, xenophobia and racism, including case studies where growing xenophobic behaviour significantly affects social cohesion and national economic development. The lack of opportunities for the growing youth, aggravated by poor governance and the lack of vision by leaders on the continent, were also identified as important factors for growing xenophobia and social exclusion of ‘foreigners’ in many parts of Africa.

Presenters and participants agreed that governments should anticipate, provide necessary resources and take preventive steps to address hatred and social violence. Political leaders should ensure that a state’s political and legal structures correspond to the multi-ethnic, cultural and linguistic characteristics of the population. Non-state actors must also put more effort in creating effective warning mechanisms and making use of processes to stop violent attacks from becoming a national crisis. Public authorities and non-state actors must work together to better address rising tensions in communities, through improved governance and good policies.

Participants emphasised the need for the African countries to include migration issues in national development strategy documents. Local leaders and members of non-governmental organisations must also be trained to ensure their communities benefit from the skills of professional migrants in key development sectors such as health, agriculture and education.

Chair: Laura Freeman, Course Director, University of Cape Town

Speakers: