African Nations Advise Citizens Amid Rising Xenophobia Concerns

African nations, including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, have advised their citizens residing in South Africa to exercise caution and remain indoors due to a series of attacks targeting foreign nationals. In response to the escalating situation, Ghana has called for intervention from the African Union.

South Africa is experiencing significant unrest as protests against illegal immigration have erupted, leading to violence directed at migrants from other sub-Saharan countries in Africa’s leading economy.

Advocacy groups for migrant rights assert that foreigners are being unfairly blamed for South Africa’s economic difficulties, particularly the high unemployment rate, which exceeds 30% and disproportionately impacts the Black community.

On Wednesday, Ghana announced it had successfully ensured the safe return of a citizen featured in a viral video. Meanwhile, Nigeria is organizing the repatriation of at least 130 nationals after the tragic deaths of two Nigerians.

While Ghana’s statement did not specify the incident, social media footage has circulated showing a Ghanaian individual being confronted by a crowd demanding his documentation and questioning its validity.

“Your presence is not welcome here,” a woman in the video stated.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Daniel Chapo engaging with President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday, advocating for calm. Concurrently, Ghana’s government has formally requested the African Union’s involvement.

Warnings have been similarly issued by other affected countries to their citizens.

These xenophobic incidents, occurring periodically over time, have been exacerbated by groups like Operation Dudula, which has spearheaded anti-immigrant campaigns, even preventing undocumented individuals from accessing public health services.

The South African government, while denouncing the violence, acknowledges the frustrations of locals over illegal immigration.

“It is within the rights of South Africans to demonstrate against the burgeoning issue of illegal immigration. However, any violence associated with such protests is unacceptable, and authorities are tasked with addressing those responsible,” read a Cabinet statement on Thursday.

According to Stats SA, South Africa’s immigrant population has steadily increased over the years, growing from 2% of the national population in 1996 to 4% in 2022, largely comprising individuals from the Southern African Development Community region.