Thousands of Migrants Leave South Africa; Somalis Remain Despite Protests

Somali migrants in South Africa are opting to stay despite recent protests against illegal immigration and a government crackdown, AllAfrica reported. Thousands of undocumented immigrants from other countries have departed or sought safety following demonstrations that set a June 30 deadline for foreigners to leave.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber launched the crackdown amid public unrest and large anti-migrant protests.

Activist groups including March and March organized the deadline, which has produced heightened tensions, door-to-door intimidation, and localized conflicts in Olievenhoutbosch and the Overberg region of the Western Cape. Governments of Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana, and Nigeria have arranged buses and charter flights to evacuate their citizens.

The African Diaspora Forum, representing roughly 70,000 migrants, said Somali nationals face different conditions.

Amir Sheikh, chairperson of the African Diaspora Forum, said returning to Somalia is not viable because of ongoing conflict and political unrest. "Even if the situation is unbearable, we'd rather stay back here in South Africa than go back home," Sheikh said. He described Somalis as a peace-loving community that trusts South African law enforcement.

Somali business owners close shops in Johannesburg's Mayfair when protest marches pass to avoid confrontation, Sheikh added. Human rights organizations warned that Somalia faces greater political instability over opposition to 2026 electoral reforms.