African Migrants in South Africa Face Rising Xenophobic Threats

JOHANNESBURG — Fear is spreading among African migrants in South Africa’s biggest cities as xenophobic tensions rise in Pretoria and Johannesburg, sparking urgent security alerts from several diplomatic missions.

Foreign nationals have been told to close their businesses and remain on high alert after a wave of anti-migration demonstrations. This week, diplomats from Ghana and Nigeria issued formal warnings to their citizens, urging them to steer clear of protest areas to reduce the risk of violence.

In Pretoria, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets shouting anti-migrant slogans. The protest organizers, who say they are opposing illegal immigration, argue that foreign nationals are taking jobs from South Africans and placing added pressure on already stretched public services.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the targeting of foreigners and called on citizens to reject hatred and discrimination. He also reminded South Africans of the crucial support provided by other African countries during the anti-apartheid struggle.

Even so, anti-migrant feeling has hardened in recent years. Many South Africans blame foreign residents for crime and economic decline, claims that have in the past fueled deadly mob attacks.

The Nigerian government said it is preparing to repatriate citizens who want to leave South Africa, with more than 130 people already signed up. Nigerian officials said they were deeply concerned about the safety of their community after reports of targeted assaults.

In recent weeks, business activity run by foreign nationals has dropped sharply, while reports have emerged that several Ethiopian nationals were killed in separate attacks. Migrants in affected townships say they are living under constant threat.

“The situation is becoming unbearable,” said one shop owner in Johannesburg who requested anonymity for safety reasons. “We are staying indoors and keeping our shops locked, but we don’t know if we will be safe when the sun goes down.”

Rights groups are warning that unless the rhetoric is quickly and decisively curbed, South Africa could see a repeat of the unrest that has erupted in previous years.

AXADLETM