By G. Watson Richards
Young Liberian human rights advocate Khalifa L. Dunor is calling for renewed African unity and an end to xenophobic violence in South Africa, warning that attacks against fellow Africans threaten the continent’s shared history and future.
Speaking on African identity, migration, and Pan-Africanism, Dunor urged Africans to uphold the spirit of solidarity that united the continent during the struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
His comments come amid ongoing concerns over xenophobic attacks against African migrants in parts of South Africa, where nationals from countries including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mozambique, Malawi, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Liberia have faced violence, intimidation, and discrimination.
Dunor said Africa’s history demonstrates that migration has always been part of the continent’s growth and identity, including among the ancestors of the Zulu people and other Bantu-speaking communities in Southern Africa.
“No people developed in isolation. Migration, trade, cooperation, and shared struggles helped shape the Africa we know today. Africans cannot talk about unity while turning against one another.”
He emphasized that his remarks were not directed against the Zulu people or their culture, which he described as one of Africa’s most respected historical identities because of its resilience and resistance during colonial rule.
“This is not an attack on the Zulu nation. “The Zulu people have a proud place in African history. But history also reminds us that migration has always been part of African civilization. We cannot deny humanity to others while forgetting our own journey,” intimated.
According to Dunor, xenophobia threatens regional integration, damages Africa’s image internationally, and weakens efforts toward economic and political cooperation across the continent.
He said migrants are often blamed for deeper structural challenges such as unemployment, inequality, corruption, and poor governance.
“African migrants are not responsible for the hardships facing many communities. Most are searching for safety, opportunity, dignity, and survival-the same things every person wants,” he stated.
The Liberian advocate also reflected on the support many African countries provided during apartheid, including refuge, diplomatic backing, financial assistance, and military training for South African liberation movements.
“South Africa’s freedom struggle was supported across the continent,” he said. “Countries with limited resources stood in solidarity because they believed the liberation of one African nation represented the liberation of all Africans.”
Dunor called for a return to the principles of Ubuntu and Pan-Africanism promoted by leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Thomas Sankara, and Nelson Mandela.
“Ubuntu teaches that our humanity is connected. No African nationality is superior to another, and no one deserves violence because of their accent, nationality, or place of birth,” Dunor said.
He urged African leaders, civil society organizations, and communities across the continent to reject xenophobia and promote dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation.
“The future of Africa depends on unity, justice, dignity, and shared humanity,” Dunor said. “Africa cannot move forward if Africans continue attacking fellow Africans.”
