By Staff Reporter
HARARE – The General Assembly of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) has called for a coordinated continental response to end xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging governments, churches, humanitarian organisations and communities to protect foreign nationals, uphold human dignity and address the underlying causes of the violence.
The appeal is contained in a statement adopted during the 23rd CCAP General Assembly in Harare, held under the theme, “God’s Love and Hope in a Broken World.” Delegates said the recent attacks on foreign nationals demand a united response rooted in peace, justice and compassion.
“The General Assembly believes that the theme of the current meeting resonates well with the affairs happening in South Africa, which requires a message of God’s love and hope in a broken world and, as such, the need to issue this statement,” said General Assembly Moderator Right Reverend Misie Kananji Sipiki.
The Assembly urged the South African government to strengthen measures to protect everyone living within its borders regardless of nationality, prosecute perpetrators of xenophobic attacks, reinforce law enforcement against violence and vigilantism, and intensify public education campaigns promoting peaceful coexistence, Ubuntu and Pan-African solidarity.
Governments of countries whose citizens have been affected were urged to facilitate the safe, orderly and dignified repatriation of nationals where necessary, while providing humanitarian and consular support. They were also encouraged to promote legal migration by ensuring citizens travel with valid documentation and to improve economic opportunities at home to reduce forced migration.
The Assembly appealed to humanitarian organisations, development partners and well-wishers to continue providing financial, logistical, humanitarian and psychosocial assistance to victims displaced by the attacks.
Churches and faith-based organisations in South Africa were called upon to publicly condemn xenophobia, promote peace, reconciliation and respect for human dignity, and actively foster peaceful coexistence within communities. The Assembly also urged the South African Council of Churches and other religious bodies to discourage their members from participating in xenophobic violence.
Churches in the home countries of affected migrants were encouraged to provide pastoral care, trauma healing and counselling to returning citizens while supporting their reintegration and livelihoods.
The global church community was also urged to support African churches in advocating for the South African government to ensure those responsible for attacks on foreign nationals are brought to justice through due legal process.
“We reaffirm that violence can never be the solution to economic or social challenges. Africa’s strength lies in unity, mutual respect and shared humanity,” said Right Reverend Sipiki.
While acknowledging that unemployment, poverty, crime, illegal immigration and competition for limited economic opportunities have contributed to public frustration in South Africa, the Assembly said these challenges can never justify violence, intimidation or discrimination against innocent people.
It said the recent attacks have resulted in deaths, destruction of property, displacement of thousands of people and strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and several African countries. Victims have also suffered physical injuries, psychological trauma and loss of livelihoods.
The Assembly commended the South African government for publicly condemning the attacks and pledging to prosecute those responsible. It also recognised the efforts of African governments, humanitarian organisations, churches, civil society groups and community volunteers who have provided shelter, food, transport, counselling and other humanitarian assistance to those affected.
