The article condemns South Africa's xenophobic attacks as a "brutal" betrayal of continental solidarity. It argues African leaders must address the root causes of migration: undemocratic and kleptocratic governance in nations like Zimbabwe and Uganda. While attacks are reprehensible, the author asserts leaders' tolerance of dictators fuels citizens' flight. The piece criticizes the AU's failure to enforce accountability, contrasting it with Botswana's success. It advocates reviving agreements like Lome to hold anti-democratic actors accountable, fostering stability and reducing desperate migration.