The Mozambique government has confirmed that at least five Mozambican citizens were killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa last weekend, as violence against black immigrants continues. These are the first officially recorded deaths by Mozambique since the latest wave of xenophobic violence, adding to a growing number of fatalities.
Previous Incidents and Rising Tensions
In April, two Nigerians were reportedly beaten to death by officials of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth. Concern over xenophobic violence in South Africa has been rising, triggering diplomatic tensions among African countries after videos of hostility towards African expatriates circulated online. The clips showed South Africans chasing and beating black foreigners, telling them to leave their country.
Mozambican Casualties and Repatriation
According to the Mozambique government, around 800 Mozambicans were affected by the violence that broke out in Mossel Bay on Friday. A statement read: "Regrettably, seven Mozambican citizens have died, five of them as a direct consequence of the xenophobic attacks and the other two as a result of a road accident when they were travelling in a private vehicle on their way back to Mozambique." Like other African states, Mozambique initiated repatriation efforts, with about 300 citizens returning home on Saturday. The remaining 500 have been sheltered in a safe location in the Western Cape Province, and their repatriation is underway as of June 1.
Regional Responses
Ghana repatriated some of its citizens last week and launched a job initiative for returnees. Nigeria is yet to repatriate its citizens but announced preparations last month. Ghana also issued a travel advisory, urging citizens to suspend non-essential travel to South Africa, and wrote to the African Union demanding the attacks be added to the agenda of the upcoming summit.
Diplomatic Actions
Last month, Nigeria summoned the South African High Commissioner in Abuja, demanding a thorough investigation into the deaths of two citizens allegedly killed by security operatives. Kenya also issued a travel advisory, urging precautions and avoidance of areas hostile to African immigrants.
Nigeria Police Warn Against Reprisals
As the crisis persists, the Nigeria Police Force warned Nigerians against reprisal attacks, stating: "Reprisal attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or any conduct that threatens public peace and national security is unlawful and will not be tolerated." The NPF assured that the government is actively engaging relevant authorities through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels to resolve the situation, declaring that there is no cause for alarm and reprisal attacks against South Africans in Nigeria are not allowed.
