By Emmanuel Kamanda
The University of Liberia campus-based Student Unification Party (SUP) assembled on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the South African Embassy in Liberia to present a petition against reported “Xenophobic violence” in South Africa.
In a statement issued on June 16, the student group strongly condemned the reported violence and discrimination against foreign nationals and called on the South African government to take urgent steps to address the situation.
Addressing the South African Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Prof. Iqbal Jhazbhay, and SUP said it was deeply concerned by repeated attacks on African migrants and warned that the situation should not be ignored.
“We register our absolute condemnation of the systemic and persistent xenophobic violence, brutality, and killings of African brothers and sisters, including Liberians, within South Africa,” the statement said.
The group referenced South Africa’s apartheid history and recalled the support many African countries provided during its liberation struggle, describing the current situation as a painful contradiction of that legacy.
SUP also said economic hardship in South Africa has contributed to rising tensions between citizens and migrants, noting that foreign nationals are often wrongly blamed for unemployment and social challenges.
The group further criticized what it called weak enforcement by authorities, saying the lack of timely intervention has worsened the crisis.
“The government is complicit, as police often arrest late, arrest victims instead of perpetrators, and fail to prosecute those responsible,” SUP stated.
The student body warned that continued attacks could strain South Africa’s relations with other African countries.
It also said it would support a boycott of South African businesses operating in Liberia if no meaningful action is taken.
“We will launch a nationwide campaign to boycott South African-owned businesses and products in Liberia and mobilize peaceful protests if the situation does not improve,” the group said.
SUP called for African unity and urged South Africa to address what it described as recurring xenophobic violence.
“The era of Africa weeping for South Africa while South Africa bleeds Africa is over,” the statement added.
The petition was signed by SUP Secretary-General Cde. David Howard Jr. and approved by Chairman Cde. Odecious Mulbah.
As of press time, the South African Embassy in Monrovia had not issued an official response.
