Over 160,000 Foreign Nationals Flee South Africa Amid Xenophobic Violence

Nationwide xenophobic violence in South Africa has forced more than 160,000 foreign nationals to flee the country over a two-month period. Hostility escalated as xenophobic groups demanded undocumented migrants leave by June 30, leading to coordinated voluntary repatriation efforts. The Government of Zimbabwe reported 108,366 returnees, while the Government of Malawi repatriated over 46,890 citizens using 699 buses. Nigeria and Ghana also repatriated citizens and demanded the issue be addressed at the next African Union summit.

Recent unrest in Ocean View, near Jeffreys Bay, involved house-to-house demands for expulsions and the looting of 23 foreign-owned convenience stores. Three people were wounded by gunfire during these clashes; while protesters claimed shop owners fired the shots, owners denied the allegations. The South African Police Service arrested 69 people for looting in Ocean View, contributing to a nationwide total of 350 arrests for unlawful conduct and incitement as of July 8.

Casualties include two Mozambicans killed in Mossel Bay, along with deaths of Ethiopian and Malawian nationals. Nigeria and Ghana reported citizen deaths, though South African authorities rejected these claims as disinformation. In response, Ghana postponed a planned visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The anti-immigrant March and March group has vowed to continue weekly demonstrations until the November local government elections.