South African police arrested over 900 people during nationwide anti-migrant protests. While most demonstrations were peaceful, 12 saw police intervention, resulting in arrests for public violence, robbery, and immigration violations. One person was shot dead during looting in Johannesburg.
Thousands participated in anti-migrant protests across South Africa on Tuesday, demanding the expulsion of undocumented foreigners. The demonstrations, largely peaceful, were monitored by a significant police presence. President Cyril Ramaphosa met with protest leaders to urge peaceful conduct.
South African authorities deployed police and military units in anticipation of anti-immigrant demonstrations organized by vigilante groups. The protests, targeting undocumented foreign nationals, have raised concerns about potential violence and harassment, echoing past unrest.
South Africa faces escalating anti-migrant protests, driven by right-wing groups demanding undocumented migrants leave by June 30. Analysts link the movements to populist parties exploiting economic grievances, despite migrants' significant economic contributions, raising fears of violence and investment loss.
Nigerian police have cautioned against reprisals targeting South African nationals or businesses following anti-migrant protests in South Africa. Despite no confirmed attacks on Nigerians, the warning follows rising tensions and calls for calm from Nigerian officials.
Nigeria is arranging voluntary repatriation flights for its citizens in South Africa following xenophobic attacks that have killed at least two Nigerians and four Ethiopians. Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said 130 applicants have registered, with numbers expected to rise. Nigeria has summoned South Africa's acting High Commissioner to convey "profound concern" over documented attacks on Nigerian businesses and citizens.
Nigeria will formally convey its profound concern at a meeting on Monday over anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, including documented mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses. At least two Nigerians and four Ethiopians have been killed in recent weeks, with attacks also targeting citizens of other African countries. The incidents threaten existing relations between Africa's most industrialized country and other continental nations.
