Somalia urges vigilance as anti-immigrant violence spreads across South Africa

Friday May 22, 2026

Pretoria (AX) — Somalia’s Embassy in South Africa has warned Somali citizens to stay alert after fresh xenophobic attacks in parts of the country targeted African and Asian foreign nationals.

In its advisory, the embassy urged Somalis to remain vigilant, steer clear of areas where violence or security threats have been reported, and avoid any gatherings that could escalate into unrest.

It also advised Somali business owners to consider closing their shops during periods of heightened tension in order to safeguard lives and property.

The alert comes amid a surge in anti-immigrant protests and attacks in several South African cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. Some groups have called for tighter immigration enforcement and the expulsion of undocumented migrants.

The Somali Embassy told the community to keep a close watch on conditions in their neighborhoods and to follow guidance from South African security agencies. It also appealed for calm, unity and cooperation among Somali residents.

South Africa has faced repeated bouts of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with migrants and foreign-owned businesses often bearing the brunt during periods marked by unemployment, inflation and anger over public services. The latest attacks have renewed concern among African governments and rights organizations. In April, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights said it was gravely concerned by reports of xenophobic violence and intimidation against nationals of other African countries in South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the attacks, saying “opportunists” were exploiting social grievances to stir anti-immigrant violence. In an open letter released Monday, he said there was no place in South Africa for “xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence.”

The unrest has left immigrant communities fearful, with reports of looting and attacks on foreign-owned shops. Several African countries have voiced concern over the safety of their nationals in South Africa.

Somali traders have long been among the foreign business communities most vulnerable to violence in South African townships, where shop owners have faced robbery, looting and xenophobic attacks. Somali officials have previously called for closer cooperation with local law enforcement to better protect Somali nationals and businesses.

The embassy said Somali citizens should avoid unnecessary movement in tense areas and report any threats or attacks to local police and community leaders.