South Africa's renewed xenophobic violence targets African migrants amid economic frustrations

Since late April, South Africa has experienced a resurgence of xenophobic violence, with anti-migrant groups like Operation Dudula leading attacks on foreign nationals, particularly Black Africans, in cities such as Johannesburg and Pretoria. These incidents have involved looting of migrant-owned shops, destruction of property, and reports of several deaths, including two Nigerians. The violence is fueled by economic frustration, political manipulation, and a narrative blaming foreigners for unemployment and crime, diverting attention from governance failures, poor education, and corruption. Critics argue that this "barbarity" is not patriotism but economic illiteracy. Many African migrants in South Africa are entrepreneurs and skilled workers who contribute to the economy, not criminals. The article highlights the irony of South Africa, a nation once supported by continental solidarity during apartheid, now turning against fellow Africans. It also discusses the ineffectiveness of retaliatory actions, such as targeting South African businesses in other African countries, citing the 2019 incidents in Nigeria. The piece emphasizes that the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA cannot succeed if xenophobia persists, drawing parallels with Europe's embrace of integration for shared prosperity. It calls for stronger mechanisms from the African Union to protect migrants and promote integration, and urges South African authorities to prosecute those responsible for the attacks.