Africa-Press – South-Africa. Mozambique has repatriated more than 700 of its citizens from the Western Cape province in South Africa following a surge in violence against foreigners that has resulted in multiple fatalities and the displacement of hundreds.
Authorities reported that 169 citizens, including 16 minors, were returned in the past 24 hours as part of ongoing assistance efforts coordinated by Mozambican diplomatic and consular missions in South Africa. Additional groups continue to arrive as evacuation operations intensify.
The government announced that diplomatic measures are also underway to repatriate the remains of six Mozambicans who were killed in the attacks that erupted in Mossel Bay and spread to surrounding areas, including Hermanus.
A statement from the Mozambican media office indicated that at least nine Mozambicans have died in the recent wave of anti-foreigner unrest, while over 800 individuals have been affected by the violence that erupted on May 29 alone.
The violence has prompted thousands of Mozambicans living in South Africa to return home, according to the presidency, amid growing fears of further attacks.
South African protesters issued an ultimatum to all foreign nationals to leave KwaZulu-Natal province by June 30, heightening regional concerns.
Anti-foreigner tensions remain a recurring challenge in South Africa, where foreign nationals—especially from other African countries—face intermittent waves of violence.
The most severe incidents in recent years occurred in 2019, when 18 foreigners were killed, according to Human Rights Watch. Countries such as Ghana, Malawi, and Nigeria have also repatriated their citizens in response to the unrest.
