The Nigerian government has commenced the screening of citizens wishing to leave South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks. This initiative comes one month after the announcement of a special repatriation plan by the Nigerian authorities.
Screening Process Underway
A public notice from the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria indicates that the screening exercise will continue until Sunday at the mission's premises. According to a source, approximately 400 Nigerians are part of the first batch of screening. For those with immigration-related offenses, the Nigerian mission has confirmed that waivers granted by South African authorities will prevent their arrest.
Regional Evacuations
Last Wednesday, Ghana began evacuation flights for its nationals from South Africa. Activists have set a June 30, 2026 deadline for undocumented or illegal foreigners to leave the country. An exodus of foreigners is underway as various governments assist their citizens in fleeing xenophobic attacks. Nigeria plans to fly between 2,000 and 4,000 of its people home. Mozambique has already transported 545 nationals by bus and is prepared to evacuate more.
Violence and Fear
Hundreds of foreigners fearing for their lives have sought shelter in community halls on South Africa's south coast. Reports indicate that mobs of locals are conducting door-to-door visits, telling foreigners to leave the country. Many, primarily nationals of Malawi and Mozambique, told journalists they fled their homes over the weekend and spent nights in the mountains and bush before reaching small-town community centers.
Weeks of mostly small protests across South Africa against irregular foreign nationals escalated into violence over the weekend in the town of Mossel Bay, 250 kilometers up the coast, where 55 shacks were set on fire. The South African police reported that two people from Mozambique were killed during activities associated with anti-foreigner demonstrations. These are the first deaths linked to a new wave of anti-migrant protests by fringe groups accusing undocumented foreign nationals of crime and taking scarce jobs and resources.
After an anti-illegal migrant group set a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave, small groups brandishing whips, sticks, wooden clubs, and sometimes axes have reportedly taken to the streets in various places to reinforce the ultimatum.
Police Response
The South African police have warned anti-immigration groups against taking the law into their own hands. Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili stated that security forces would not allow any group to conduct unlawful operations, intimidate communities, or target individuals based on their nationality.
