Africa-Press. Malawi will join other countries in repatriating its citizens wishing to leave South Africa, following reports of attacks on African migrants in some areas of the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement that the program will be limited to citizens who have requested assistance, with details to be announced once logistical arrangements are finalized.
In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation indicated that it is closely monitoring reports of attacks against African migrants and is engaging with South African authorities through diplomatic channels.
The ministry stated: “Through the Malawi High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg, the ministry has reached out to leaders of Malawian diaspora organizations in South Africa to assess the situation and provide necessary assistance to those affected.”
The statement added that the ministry has undertaken several diplomatic initiatives with the South African government since the protests began. The ministry also warned Malawian citizens residing in South Africa against impersonating government representatives, clarifying that no individual or organization has been authorized to manage the repatriation process.
Anti-foreign attacks are a recurring issue in South Africa, where migrants are often blamed for economic challenges such as high unemployment rates.
Anti-migrant groups have set a deadline of June 30 for illegal foreigners to leave, heightening fears among migrant communities.
Mozambique reported the deaths of five of its citizens in violence that occurred in the coastal city of Mossel Bay over the weekend, and the process to repatriate nearly 600 citizens from Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo, and the southern city of Maputo, as well as Manica province in the central region, has begun.
Last week, a group of 295 Ghanaian citizens was repatriated following waves of anti-migrant protests in South Africa, raising security concerns.
The Ghanaian High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Kwasi, confirmed that approximately 890 individuals have already registered for the repatriation program, adding that another flight is expected to depart in the coming days.
Other African countries, including Kenya, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, have advised their citizens to exercise caution amid fears of renewed violence targeting foreigners. Nigeria confirmed that at least 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary return flights.
The South African government has pledged to take a firm stance against those who commit or incite violence against migrants. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated before Parliament on Tuesday that while addressing illegal immigration is important, the country should not resort to “violence, xenophobia, and lawlessness.”
South Africa has the largest economy on the continent and is a destination for individuals from neighboring countries seeking work. It also hosts refugees and asylum seekers fleeing conflicts in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
