By Zobia Zulfqar 
ACCRA, Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama and Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema have called on African countries to reject xenophobia and all forms of discrimination, stressing that unity and cooperation remain essential for the continent’s peace, development and shared prosperity.
The appeal was made following bilateral talks held in Accra during President Nguema’s three day state visit to Ghana at the invitation of President Mahama. The two leaders said African nations must work collectively to address divisions that threaten regional integration and undermine the continent’s long term development goals.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, Ghana and Gabon reaffirmed their commitment to promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and stronger cooperation among African states. They stressed that xenophobic attacks weaken the spirit of African solidarity and create barriers to economic growth, social stability and regional integration.
The leaders emphasized the importance of collective action through continental and international institutions. They pledged to maintain close consultations and coordination within the African Union, the United Nations, the African Continental Free Trade Area framework and other multilateral organisations to advance Africa’s common interests.
According to the communiqué, both governments remain committed to supporting the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They noted that achieving these ambitions requires stronger regional partnerships, peaceful relations among neighbouring countries and respect for the rights and dignity of every African citizen.
President Mahama and President Nguema also exchanged views on regional, continental and global developments affecting Africa. They discussed ways to deepen political dialogue and strengthen diplomatic cooperation on issues relating to security, trade, governance and sustainable development.
The two leaders agreed that closer collaboration among African countries is necessary to address common challenges, including economic transformation, youth employment, climate change, regional security and migration. They noted that stronger partnerships would improve resilience and create new opportunities for investment and development across the continent.
The meeting formed part of President Nguema’s official visit to Ghana, which is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. During the visit, both governments have explored opportunities for expanding cooperation in diplomacy, trade, investment, education, culture and other strategic sectors.
Officials said the discussions reflected the longstanding friendship between Ghana and Gabon and the shared desire to build stronger institutional partnerships. The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving regional challenges through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.
The call against xenophobia comes as African leaders continue to promote greater continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to increase trade, investment and the free movement of people and services across member states. Leaders have repeatedly stressed that discrimination and hostility toward foreign nationals undermine these integration efforts.
Observers say the joint statement reinforces the importance of African solidarity at a time when regional cooperation is increasingly viewed as critical to addressing economic and security challenges facing the continent.
President Nguema’s visit is expected to further strengthen diplomatic ties between Ghana and Gabon while opening new avenues for collaboration in areas of shared national interest. Both governments expressed confidence that continued engagement would contribute to lasting peace, inclusive development and stronger cooperation across Africa.