Malawians Repatriated Amid Xenophobia Concerns
A group of 150 Malawians repatriated from South Africa amid growing concerns about xenophobia are scheduled to arrive by road in Malawi on Monday, according to Malawian authorities.
The repatriation follows recent violence in South Africa's Western Cape Province, where reports emerged last week of door-to-door intimidation and the deaths of two Mozambicans in Mossel Bay.
The Malawians were "among a number of foreign nationals" who had "sought refuge in temporary camps" in Mossel Bay, a statement from Lilongwe confirmed.
Regional Repatriation Efforts
Other African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, have also organised repatriation efforts in response to concerns about xenophobia in South Africa.
Anti-migrant groups in South Africa have demanded that undocumented migrants leave the country, setting a deadline of 30 June.
South African Government Response
In a national address on Sunday aimed at easing tensions, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a series of new measures to crack down on illegal migration.
He also warned South Africans not to take the law into their own hands. Ramaphosa stated there was "no space for xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia or any other forms of intolerance" in the country.
Zimbabwean Repatriation
A group of 74 Zimbabweans arrived home on Sunday after being transported from Mossel Bay in arrangements organised by Zimbabwean authorities. Some families with young children reported fleeing the Western Cape due to safety concerns.
Ghanaian Repatriation
At the end of last month, Ghana organised a repatriation flight from Johannesburg for nearly 300 of its citizens. Additionally, about 680 more Ghanaians arrived in Accra over the weekend.
Tensions Between South Africa and Ghana
On Saturday, South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola accused his Ghanaian counterpart of spreading misinformation regarding xenophobia in South Africa.
In a post on X, Lamola linked to an interview Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa gave to a news station in Accra, describing what he heard as "deeply disappointing."
Ablakwa told Ghana's Joy News that he was proud of the solidarity Ghanaians had shown in supporting their nationals. He also referenced reports of foreigners being killed in South Africa and called for the African Union (AU) to investigate the situation.
Lamola disputed reports that two Nigerians and five Mozambicans had died in separate violent incidents.
Regarding Ablakwa's statement that several Ghanaians were receiving hospital treatment in South Africa following attacks, Lamola said his government had "no information of that nature whatsoever."
Ablakwa also mentioned that Ghana had requested South Africa to compensate repatriated citizens for property left behind.
Nigerian Repatriation Postponed
Nigeria postponed its first planned evacuation flight for 270 citizens, initially scheduled for Monday.
Nigeria's foreign affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa stated the evacuation "has been rescheduled for Wednesday... due to unforeseen logistical considerations."
Officials report that over 500 Nigerians have been screened and cleared for return as part of the government's broader response to anti-migrant tensions in South Africa.
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights in total, with screening and registration extended to Wednesday as authorities continue processing applicants.
Additional reporting by Makuochi Okafor and Shingai Nyoka
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