Affiliation:
1. University of South Africa, South Africa
Abstract
Xenophobia is historically an old phenomenon in Africa. It has had numerous causes. Political rhetoric has been cited as one of the causes of xenophobia. Franz Fanon predicted in 1968 that Africa would sink into acts of xenophobia at some stage post-liberation. Fanon's prediction was fulfilled when President Kofi Busia of Ghana expelled Nigerian nationals from Ghana in 1969. This chapter used qualitative desktop approach to investigate how political rhetoric influenced the evolution of xenophobia in Africa. Political posturing and grandstanding of political elite and government bureaucrats encouraged xenophobia among locals. This action impedes efforts to eradicate xenophobia in Africa. It is possible for Africa to defeat xenophobia, and to also emerge out of its impact. The state should cooperate with other stakeholders to find a long-lasting solution to xenophobia. Political elite and government bureaucrats should desist from inciting the public for xenophobia. Irresponsible political rhetoric encouraging hatred of one people by the other should be punishable by law.
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