Anti-migrant protests persist in South Africa, with activists searching door-to-door for undocumented migrants and handing them to police. Humanitarian groups report documented migrants and refugees are also targeted, leading to disruption of healthcare services.
A campaign against African immigrants in South Africa has led to deaths and mass displacement. Cultural historian Fezokuhle Mthonti explains this wave of xenophobia is well-funded, legitimized by media, and linked to state failure and a fragile national identity, distinct from past incidents.
South Africa is experiencing a surge in xenophobia, with anti-immigrant mobs attacking foreign-owned businesses, chasing people from their homes, and causing deaths. Migrants fear for their lives, especially with an arbitrary June 30 deadline set by the movement 'March and March' for illegal immigrants to leave.
Pope Leo has directly addressed human traffickers exploiting African migrants attempting to reach Europe via Spain's Canary Islands, warning them of divine justice. Visiting the islands, a key migration route, he urged leaders to welcome migrants and highlighted the dangers of the journey, with thousands dying annually.
African migrants in South Africa face escalating xenophobic sentiment after protests by March & March, demanding illegal immigrants leave by 30 June, with reported violence and deaths.
The first plane carrying nine migrants from West African countries, including Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, and Nigeria, arrived in Sierra Leone from the US. The migrants, reportedly traumatized from detention, will be housed temporarily before returning to their home countries. Sierra Leone has an agreement with the US to host migrants for 90 days, supported by a $1.5m grant.
