The Government of Ghana has brought 216 of its citizens back home from South Africa over the last three days as fears continue to grow over violent attacks targeting people suspected of being irregular migrants.
According to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hundreds of additional Ghanaians have already registered for voluntary repatriation, choosing to return home as concerns over their personal safety increase.
This is not the first evacuation effort. Earlier this year, during May and June, the Ghanaian government successfully repatriated nearly 1,000 citizens from South Africa following similar security concerns.
The violence has affected people from several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi. Many migrants say they no longer feel safe after repeated attacks, threats, and destruction of property.
South African authorities have reported that more than 25,000 foreign nationals have either left the country voluntarily or have been deported in recent months as immigration enforcement continues.
The situation has also attracted the attention of the African Union (AU), which announced that it will seek an official explanation from the South African government regarding the ongoing unrest and the measures being taken to restore public safety.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has started documenting financial losses suffered by its citizens during the attacks. Homes, shops, and businesses owned by foreign African nationals were reportedly looted and damaged during the violence, with officials planning to pursue compensation for affected victims.
Much of the recent anti-migrant demonstrations have been linked to the civil society movement March and March, which is campaigning for stricter immigration enforcement and mass deportations. The movement has claimed, without providing evidence, that undocumented migrants contribute to crime and unemployment in South Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has repeatedly condemned the violence. He has urged citizens to reject xenophobia and stressed that irregular migrants should not be blamed for the country’s economic and social challenges. The president has called for peaceful solutions while emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting every person’s dignity.
As governments across Africa continue monitoring the situation, the safety of migrants, regional cooperation, and responsible immigration policies remain critical issues requiring urgent attention.
