Ghanaian President John Mahama has renewed his call on the African Union to address the rising wave of anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, warning that it threatens African unity and regional integration.

Mahama said the issue should be discussed at the next AU summit, noting that attacks on foreign nationals and growing hostility toward migrants have forced thousands to leave South Africa in recent weeks.

He also expressed concern over what he described as an inadequate response by South African authorities.

South Africa, however, insists it has laws to tackle hate crimes and dismissed a petition filed at the International Criminal Court over the attacks, while Ghana says it remains committed to maintaining strong relations with Pretoria despite the concerns.