African Nations Evacuate Citizens Amid South African Xenophobic Protests

Nationwide anti-immigration protests in South Africa peaked around June 30, 2026, after vigilante groups like Operation Dudula and March and March set an unofficial deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country. The unrest, the largest of its kind since 2008, resulted in looting, vandalism, and the reported deaths of at least two Nigerians, including a businessman shot in Witbank.

The Government of Nigeria coordinated a massive voluntary repatriation effort, transporting nearly 1,300 citizens to Lagos via Air Peace. The operation included three primary batches: 258 on June 11, 66 on June 24, and 269 on June 30, with additional flights scheduled for early July. Acting High Commissioner Alexander Ajayi is currently cataloging abandoned businesses and properties to seek diplomatic compensation from South African authorities.

Similarly, the Government of Ghana repatriated nearly 1,000 citizens in a previous exercise and prepared to evacuate another 900 following the June 30 unrest. Ghana's High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie confirmed that all Ghanaian nationals detained during the protests were released after consular verification. Kenya also activated emergency protocols, evacuating over 200 citizens who reported job losses and destroyed businesses.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged concerns over illegal immigration but condemned vigilantism, asserting that immigration enforcement is a state responsibility. While the South African government reported that the marches were largely peaceful, foreign governments have warned their citizens that the environment remains unsafe.