JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Several African countries have begun evacuating their citizens from South Africa following growing concerns over xenophobic tensions and anti-migrant violence in parts of the country.
Okay News gathered that about 150 Malawians are expected to arrive home on Monday after leaving South Africa’s Western Cape Province, where foreign nationals reportedly sought refuge in temporary camps following incidents of intimidation and violence. The repatriation effort comes amid reports of attacks targeting migrants and rising calls by anti-migrant groups for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.
Zimbabwe has already repatriated 74 of its citizens, while Ghana recently organised flights that returned hundreds of Ghanaians from South Africa. Nigeria has also commenced evacuation arrangements, although the first planned flight carrying 270 Nigerians was postponed due to logistical issues. Nigerian authorities said more than 500 citizens have so far been screened for possible evacuation, with President Bola Tinubu approving five flights for affected nationals.
Anti-migrant groups have reportedly set June 30 as a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, raising concerns across the continent. The tensions have prompted calls for greater intervention from African governments and regional institutions.
In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new measures aimed at tackling illegal migration while warning citizens against taking the law into their own hands. He stressed that there is no place for xenophobia, racism, or any form of intolerance in South Africa.
Meanwhile, a diplomatic dispute has emerged between South Africa and Ghana over claims surrounding the scale of the violence. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola accused Ghanaian officials of spreading misinformation, rejecting allegations that several foreign nationals had been killed or that large numbers of migrants were being treated in hospitals following attacks.
Despite the disagreements, evacuation efforts continue as governments move to protect citizens who fear for their safety amid the growing anti-migrant tensions.
