Over 160,000 foreign nationals flee South Africa amid anti-migrant unrest
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
More than 160,000 foreign nationals have left South Africa in the past two months due to increased violent hostility against undocumented migrants, according to an AFP tally. Weeks of nationwide protests have led to violence, claiming the lives of at least four migrants, though some foreign governments report higher tolls. As xenophobic groups demanded undocumented migrants leave by June 30, citizens from various African countries, including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Uganda, sought repatriation. Zimbabwe's cabinet reported 108,366 citizens returned by July 18, while Malawi announced over 46,890 repatriated since early June, with six deaths occurring during transit. Nearly 2,000 Mozambicans also returned after two of their nationals were killed in late May. Nigeria and Ghana have reported deaths of their citizens, with Ghana postponing a visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and both countries calling for a discussion on "Afrophobia" at the next African Union summit. South African authorities have denied these allegations, citing online disinformation. Analysts suggest migrants are being scapegoated for South Africa's economic and governance issues, including high unemployment. This marks the first time several governments have coordinated voluntary repatriations in response to such threats.
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