Nigeria repatriated 262 citizens from South Africa following anti-immigration protests. South African officials stated the returnees were undocumented, while Nigerian officials cited fleeing xenophobic attacks. The repatriated Nigerians face a five-year re-entry ban.
Nigeria has repatriated 268 citizens from South Africa due to rising anti-migrant sentiment and xenophobic attacks. Other African nations have also evacuated citizens ahead of a June 30 deadline.
At least five Mozambican nationals have been killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa over the weekend, with seven total deaths reported. The violence in Mossel Bay has prompted hundreds to return home, while others are being repatriated.
Five Mozambicans were killed in xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay, South Africa, the Mozambican government reported. The violence, linked to protests against illegal immigration, also caused a road accident that killed two others. Hundreds of Mozambicans have been displaced and are being repatriated.
Human Rights Watch warns of escalating xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with anti-immigration groups like Operation Dudula targeting foreign nationals. Migrants report harassment, evictions, and discrimination amid rising social frustration and political rhetoric blaming them for unemployment and crime.
As claims of xenophobia in South Africa mount, Ghana calls on the African Union to send a fact-finding mission.
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.
Ghana has summoned South Africa's acting high commissioner Thando Dalamba to protest xenophobic attacks on foreigners, including Ghanaian citizens. Video clips shared online showed vigilante groups confronting and questioning a Ghanaian man about his legal status in South Africa, with the man confirmed to be in the country legally. Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa spoke to his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola, who promised a full investigation. South Africa is home to about 2.4 million migrants, nearly 4% of the population.
