By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — African Journalists Against Genocide has called on media professionals across the continent to unite and condemn what it described as “increasing xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans” being perpetrated in South Africa.
In a message circulated to members on Wednesday, AJAG Convenor Ireti Bakare-Yusuf said the attacks pose “a great danger to the progress of our continent, as a collective” and urged journalists to “speak up and CONDEMN this destructive actions”.
“Good Morning African Brethrens,” Bakare-Yusuf wrote. “We are all aware of the increasing xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans which is being perpetrated by some South Africans. As journalist representing the continent, I think this is a time for us to speak up.”
She asked members to respond with a thumbs up if they agreed, after which the group would decide on the “best form of communication” — either a video campaign similar to one AJAG ran on “Israel’s murder of journalists” or a written press release.
The call comes amid fresh reports of violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, sparking concern from the African Union and regional bodies. While South African authorities have condemned the attacks, rights groups say enforcement remains inconsistent.
Bakare-Yusuf stressed that AJAG’s response would be continental. “This is not just a South African issue. When one part of Africa bleeds, the whole continent feels it,” she said. “Xenophobia threatens free movement, trade under AfCFTA, and the spirit of Agenda 2063.”
Journalists from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana had already responded with thumbs up icons within hours of the message, signaling strong early support for a collective action.
Several members suggested AJAG should deploy both tools: a formal press release to state the group’s position for policy makers and media houses, and a short video campaign for social media amplification.
The proposed video format would feature 30-45 second clips of journalists from different countries stating their name, country, and the message: “Africa is home for all Africans. Stop xenophobia.” The video would close with the AJAG logo and hashtag #AfricansForAfrica.
The press release is expected to cite African Union protocols on free movement, demand accountability for perpetrators, and call on the South African government and civil society to urgently intervene.
AJAG previously ran a coordinated video campaign condemning the killing of journalists in Gaza, which drew participation from over 40 reporters across 15 African countries.
Bakare-Yusuf said timing was critical. “We need to move within 48 hours while the issue is in the public domain. Silence is complicity.”
The group will collate responses and finalize its communication strategy by Friday.
African Journalists Against Genocide was formed in 2024 as a network of reporters, editors and media activists committed to using journalism to fight impunity, hate, and mass atrocities on the continent.
For Ireti Bakare- Yusuf, a Nigerian journalist in the network, the issue cuts deeper than terminology. “If xenophobia is the bitter seed of apartheid’s legacy, Afrophobia is the poison stalling the dream of a united, progressive Africa.”
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