Reuters and Inside Politics
Two Ghanaian nationals have petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open a preliminary investigation into attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, which they said could constitute crimes against humanity.
South Africa has been gripped by a surge in anti-illegal immigrant protests in recent months, accompanied in some cases by violence against foreigners, whom protesters blame for problems such as crime and unemployment.
Several African migrants have been killed in the violence, while others have been beaten and have seen their homes and shops looted. Tens of thousands have fled the country.
The petition, which has been seen by Reuters and was submitted to the court on July 15, alleges a “pattern of widespread and systematic attacks” against migrants in South Africa and accuses President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of failing to prevent or punish those crimes, including murder.
A spokesperson for South Africa’s foreign
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