South Africa has strongly reaffirmed its support for a continent-wide conference on migration, declaring the issue a shared continental phenomenon that extends beyond the jurisdiction of any single country.

Speaking on Wednesday, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola emphasised that the need for comprehensive dialogue had become increasingly urgent, driven by shifting economic realities and a rising desire among African youth to seek better opportunities.

South Africa has seen a rise in anti-migrant sentiment, resulting in many foreign nationals self-deporting for fear of violence against them, as the country tightens border control.

Lamola pointed to recent research which showed that nearly six in ten Africans aged between 18 and 25 had considered emigrating.

However, contrary to global misconceptions, most of this movement happens within Africa.

He highlighted that African migration remained largely internal, with most international migrants moving to neighbouring nations on the continent, noting that of all international migrants originating from Africa, roughly 45% reside outside their home countries.

Lamola said within that displaced group, over 50% migrated to another African nation.

He explained that South Africa, Egypt, and Côte d'Ivoire were the top destinations, receiving most intra-African migrants.

The push for a unified strategy comes after the forty-ninth Ordinary Session of the African Union’s (AU) Executive Council decided not to include migration on the agenda for the upcoming AU mid-term review meeting.

In response, South Africa reiterated its steadfast support for the 2015 AU Assembly decision, originally made in Johannesburg, to convene a dedicated, continent-wide conference on migration.

Lamola warned that prevailing economic hardships were fuelling negative attitudes toward migrants both globally and across the continent.

He stressed that any future AU convening must take a holistic approach.

“It must consider migration’s relationship with peace and stability, economic development, regional integration and democratic governance," Lamola stated.

"It must also provide space for member States to discuss the root causes of anti-migrant sentiment and develop a collective continental approach to preventing violence, discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance."

To illustrate that migration was a shared continental crisis rather than a localised South African issue, Lamola pointed to recent international tragedies.

He cited a UN refugee agency report detailing at least 144 people dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania, alongside the recent mass migrant entries into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

Meanwhile, South Africa has urged the international community to step up and assist South Sudan as it prepares for its upcoming elections.

The Minister emphasised that the elections represented a critical milestone that must realistically meet the requirements of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

"Only a credible and inclusive election can bring long-lasting peace, security and prosperity for the people of South Sudan," he said.