The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Baidoo Bediako, has accused the South African government of being complicit in ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam show, the MP said the continued violence and lack of action against perpetrators show authorities are not protecting foreigners.

“It is now clear that the attacks are being perpetrated by the South African government and people,” he stated.

Bediako said he initially thought the attacks were by isolated groups and expected the government to act, according to a report by adomonline.com on May 14, 2026.

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“At the early stages, I condemned it and even said it was probably a group doing that, and we expected the government to put in place sanctions,” he said.

He argued the situation has worsened without meaningful intervention.

“They condemned it and vowed to take action, but till now, have you heard of any arrest or action against anyone?” he questioned.

The MP urged South Africa to be clear if it no longer wants foreigners in the country.

“If they no longer want foreigners in their country, they should make it clear, so we advise ourselves,” he added.

Bediako expressed disappointment at the silence of international bodies, including the African Union.

“It appears that international organisations are focused on other global issues while the AU remains silent on what is happening in South Africa,” he said.

“So, if we spend money on conferences and cannot condemn such acts, then what are we doing?” he asked.

He referenced Africa’s role in ending apartheid, saying South Africa should be the last to see xenophobic violence.

“With the history of South Africa, they are the last country to do this because other African countries contributed to where they are today,” he noted.

The MP warned that foreigners may no longer be safe and advised them to leave voluntarily.

“Clearly, I don’t think foreigners will get protection from the South African government, so people should advise themselves and start going back to their countries,” he said.

He added that any evacuation would have to be voluntary, explaining, “You cannot force everyone to move.”

NAD/AM

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