South Africa Faces Surge in Violent Xenophobic Attacks

A wave of xenophobic violence erupted across South Africa starting April 20, 2026, as vigilante groups including Operation Dudula and the March and March movement targeted foreign nationals. Mobs conducted raids, looted businesses, and assaulted migrants in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal. The unrest resulted in property destruction, injuries, and fatalities, including a reported case of a Malawian national dying after police torture.

The Government of South Africa officially condemned the violence. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia denounced the acts as unlawful and contrary to constitutional values, with police ordered to arrest perpetrators. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa attributed the tensions to illegal immigrants straining public utilities and jobs, while former President Jacob Zuma denied that the country is xenophobic.

International reactions were swift. The Government of Ghana formally protested after videos emerged of Ghanaian citizens being harassed, leading to the relocation of one victim. The Nigerian government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, issued urgent safety advisories for its citizens and urged business owners to close shops during planned protests in Gauteng from April 27 to 29. Human Rights Watch criticized the insufficient police response, while the United Nations expressed grave concern and called for government accountability.