South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on African countries to strengthen cooperation on migration issues while protecting the rights and dignity of migrants across the continent.

Ramaphosa made the call while addressing the Pan-African Parliament on Monday, July 28, following weeks of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, where some groups accused undocumented migrants of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

The president said African nations must work together to address the root causes of migration, including conflict, instability, poverty and social challenges.

“We need to work together to address issues like conflict, instability, poverty and social discord,” Ramaphosa said.

South Africa has faced criticism from other African governments over attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country, with at least four migrants reportedly killed, including a Nigerian who died while in police custody in Cape Town.

Describing the attacks as “sad and abhorrent,” Ramaphosa said South Africa rejects hatred against foreigners, xenophobia and Afrophobia.

Meanwhile, thousands of African migrants have left South Africa in recent months, with countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi supporting the voluntary return of their citizens.