South Africa: new day of anti-migrant demonstration, looting and clashes with police noted

South African police used tear gas and stun grenades on Friday to repel mobile groups of anti-migrant protesters who engaged in looting and destruction in Durban, the major port city bordering the Indian Ocean.

This new urban violence began on Thursday with the mobilization of anti-migrant groups in Durban and Johannesburg, to denounce a government circular ordering refugee reception offices to process asylum requests, following a decision in July by the Constitutional Court.

The highest court found that certain procedural obstacles imposed on asylum seekers were contrary to the South African Constitution. The Constitutional Court notably reaffirmed the right of a person who entered the country illegally to file an asylum application.

On Friday, hoping to reduce tension, the government announced the withdrawal of the circular, to give itself time to review its system for recording requests. In vain. In Durban, which is home to many foreigners, legal or not, angry demonstrators crisscrossed the city, armed with sticks.

A foreign national, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters he was beaten by protesters who stole his wallet and phone. Elsewhere, three houses were burned and shops looted.

“I decided to come to the march because I am worried about what is happening in this country,” said Vusi Gumede, a 43-year-old protester, referring to drug and human trafficking. “If the government does not pay attention (...) there will be more” violence, he added, pointing to a small house in flames.

Another rally was held on Friday in front of the Constitutional Court premises in Johannesburg. On Thursday, around ten vehicles were set on fire in the large neighboring township of Soweto. Following the publication of the government circular, long queues appeared in front of the offices of the Ministry of the Interior in several large cities in the country. The ministry admitted its services had been “overwhelmed within days”.

Anti-migrant groups immediately remobilized their troops. These same small groups have led a vast campaign against undocumented immigrants in recent months marked by xenophobic violence, which triggered the exodus of more than 160,000 people, according to an AFP count based on government figures. At least four migrants were killed in violence linked to the movement, according to police.

The continent's largest economy, South Africa has long attracted migrants, but it faces an unemployment rate above 30% and deep inequalities. For more than 20 years, the country has been plagued by regular xenophobic violence.