Africa-Press – Mozambique. The Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) today called on the Government of Mozambique to engage “as a matter of urgency” with South African authorities over xenophobic attacks in that country, expressing “deep concern” about the phenomenon.
“We call on the Government of Mozambique to urgently engage with the South African authorities in order to put an end to and prevent attacks against foreigners, and to understand the real motivations behind the so-called ‘Operation Dudula’, which, according to available information, is expected to reach its peak on 4 May,” reads a statement from Renamo’s Department of External Relations, issued today.
South Africa has recently experienced protests and social tensions related to immigration, with an anti-immigration march earlier this month culminating in attacks on foreign-owned businesses in the Eastern Cape province, in the east of the country.
The Angolan Embassy in South Africa on Monday called on Angolan citizens living in the country to avoid unnecessary travel, remain calm and act with caution in light of various “protests and situations of social tension” against immigrants.
On Friday, the Government of Ghana summoned the South African ambassador to the country following “xenophobic incidents” in recent weeks, circulated on social media, showing alleged African migrants being attacked in South Africa.
Mozambican authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the attacks.
The third-largest parliamentary party in Mozambique lamented that, despite being properly identified and documented, Mozambicans are being prevented from accessing health services and schools, “under the watchful eyes of South African authorities”.
“The Renamo party is following with deep concern the prevailing situation in South Africa, characterised by intolerance and acts of xenophobia against foreigners, particularly Mozambicans residing in that neighbouring country,” the statement reads.
According to the party, xenophobic acts undermine peaceful coexistence and security between the two countries and, in the short and long term, may “discourage efforts towards African integration” and free movement across the continent, particularly in Southern Africa.
Renamo recalled that Mozambique hosted South Africans during their “heroic struggle against the apartheid regime”, during which many Mozambicans were sacrificed in support and protection.
Xenophobic tensions are a recurring problem in South Africa and have often resulted in waves of violent protests and unrest, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Numerous immigrant communities have been repatriated by their own countries, including Mozambique and Nigeria, and South Africa has faced strong international criticism over xenophobia.
The most serious incidents in recent years occurred at the end of 2019, with 18 foreigners killed, according to Human Rights Watch.
