Regional Methodist Council urges compassion for Zimbabweans returning from SA

THE Africa Methodist Council (AMC) has called on governments, churches and communities across Africa to receive Zimbabweans and other migrants returning from South Africa with compassion and dignity amid renewed incidents of xenophobia and Afrophobia.

In a statement, AMC General Secretary Rev Dr Martin Mujinga condemned attacks targeting foreign nationals and urged African governments to safeguard the rights and dignity of migrants while addressing cross-border migration challenges.

“We strongly condemn all forms of xenophobia and Afrophobia directed against our fellow African brothers and sisters in South Africa,” Rev Mujinga said.

“These attacks undermine our shared humanity, erode the spirit of African unity and contradict the values of love, justice and hospitality that our faith teaches.”

The council said many migrants who return to their home countries often arrive traumatised after losing businesses, jobs, property and livelihoods, placing additional pressure on families and communities.

Rev Mujinga appealed to churches across the continent to extend practical and spiritual support to those affected.

“We call upon all our member churches to open their hearts and their doors to those returning home. They need prayer, psychosocial support, material assistance and the assurance that they have not been abandoned,” he said.

The church body also urged the South African Government to manage migration issues in a manner that respects human dignity and strengthens relations among African nations.

“We call upon the South African Government to deal with the issue of migrants in a way that does not dehumanise immigrants among them or strain the bilateral relationships among African states,” Rev Mujinga said.

Quoting biblical teachings on caring for strangers, the AMC said Christians have a responsibility to protect the vulnerable regardless of nationality.

The council urged African leaders to pursue long-term solutions that address the root causes of migration, including poverty, unemployment and conflict, while promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.

Rev Mujinga said the church would continue advocating for justice and human dignity across the continent.

“Our faith compels us to stand with the vulnerable and to remind society that every person is created in the image of God. There is no place for hatred, discrimination or violence against fellow Africans,” he said.

The AMC represents Methodist churches across Africa and works to promote Christian witness, peace, justice and humanitarian service throughout the continent.