Protests over illegal immigration fuel fears of xenophobic violence

Ghana moved to evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa, while Nigeria had already begun arranging repatriation for at least 130 nationals, after protests against illegal immigration fed fears that xenophobic violence was spreading again across southern Africa. Ghana said the evacuees had registered with its high commission in Pretoria, and officials later set up support for returnees, including transport, reintegration help and psychological care. Nigeria said its applicants were the first under a new government-assisted repatriation scheme.

The unrest grew out of months of anger over jobs, crime and public services, with rallies in Pretoria and Johannesburg demanding tougher action against undocumented migrants. Vigilante-led groups and allied political forces had threatened to remove undocumented foreigners by June 30, while analysts warned that resentment was being stoked by economic hardship and disinformation. South Africa’s statistics agency estimated about three million immigrants in the country, roughly 5.1 percent of the population, with more than 63 percent from neighboring states in the Southern African Development Community.

President Cyril Ramaphosa tried to contain the damage by condemning attacks on foreign nationals and insisting that undocumented migration had to be handled within the law. He acknowledged pressure on healthcare, housing and municipal infrastructure in poorer communities, and said the Border Management Authority had intercepted about 450,000 people attempting to enter illegally in the past financial year. He also promised more workplace inspections and renewed anti-corruption efforts inside the immigration system.

Rights groups said the response had not been strong enough. Human Rights Watch reported violent attacks on African and Asian foreign nationals in recent weeks, with little or insufficient apparent response from police and other authorities, and said some vigilantes had blocked migrants from accessing healthcare and education. Other African governments, including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, warned their citizens in South Africa to stay cautious and indoors, underscoring how a domestic backlash was now reshaping regional migration and diplomatic relations.