The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed receiving a petition from two Ghanaians requesting a preliminary examination into alleged xenophobic attacks and possible crimes against humanity in South Africa.
The petition, submitted on July 15, 2026, by Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah and security analyst Emmanuel Kotin, accuses South African authorities of failing to adequately prevent and address repeated attacks against African migrants between 2015 and 2026.
The petitioners claim the alleged violence involved killings, destruction of property, forced displacement, and other abuses, arguing that the situation may fall under crimes against humanity provisions in the Rome Statute.
They have asked the ICC Prosecutor to assess the allegations, examine possible responsibility of senior officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, and open an investigation if the legal requirements are met.
The ICC’s confirmation only means the complaint has been received. It does not mean an investigation has started or that any allegations have been proven. The Office of the Prosecutor will now determine whether the matter meets the threshold for further review.
