Africa-Press – Malawi. The government of Malawi has announced the initiation of procedures to repatriate its citizens wishing to leave South Africa, following a rise in attacks and protests against migrants in several South African cities.
The Malawian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that authorities are working to register citizens who wish to return and coordinate evacuation operations, amid growing security concerns due to violence targeting foreigners and migrants from various African countries.
This move comes days after Mozambique and Ghana announced similar measures to assist their citizens wishing to leave South Africa, following protests that accused migrants of contributing to rising crime rates, unemployment, and pressure on public services.
The South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called for calm and condemned acts of violence and xenophobia, emphasizing that immigration issues should be addressed through legal institutions rather than through assaults or incitement.
Recent events have raised increasing concerns within the African continent, particularly after reports of fatalities and injuries among migrants during violent incidents in some areas of South Africa. African governments fear that continued tensions could lead to a new wave of displacement and deteriorate relations between African nations.
South Africa has experienced repeated waves of anti-migrant protests over the years, amid difficult economic conditions and rising unemployment, making immigration one of the most contentious issues in the country.
