Emmanuel Onyedika
More than 160,000 foreign nationals have left South Africa over the past two months as local groups intensified violent hostility against undocumented migrants, according to an AFP tally based on figures from repatriating governments.
The country has witnessed weeks of nationwide protests, several degenerating into violence that claimed the lives of at least four migrants, though some foreign governments say the toll is higher.
As xenophobic groups pressed their demand for undocumented migrants to leave by June 30, citizens of other African countries flocked to consulates and community halls seeking transport home, many carrying only what they could and fearing for their lives.
The largest numbers to leave were from Zimbabwe and Malawi. Zimbabwe’s cabinet reported that 108,366 of its citizens had returned as of July 18, most self-repatriating. Malawi announced that more than 46,890 citizens had returned since early June, with the government providing 699 buses for the journey. Six people died in transit.
Nearly 2,000 Mozambicans also returned, according to South African government figures, after two nationals were killed in Mossel Bay at the end of May. Authorities later confirmed the deaths of an Ethiopian and a Malawian in “anti-foreigner sentiment.” Nigeria reported two of its nationals killed, while Ghana said one citizen died in Cape Town during “anti-immigrant demonstrations.”
Nigeria has repatriated around 1,490 nationals, while Ghana has flown home at least 926. Both countries have demanded that the issue of “Afrophobia” be discussed at the next African Union summit, with Ghana postponing a planned visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
South African authorities have rejected some of the allegations, warning of disinformation being spread online.