Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa Prompt Evacuation Requests from Over 200 Malawians

A new wave of xenophobic violence has erupted in South Africa, prompting more than 200 desperate calls from Malawians living there to their government, requesting to be brought back home. The violence has been reported in Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria, where foreign nationals have been attacked, beaten, threatened and in some cases killed.

AllAfrica reported that for many Malawians, life has suddenly turned into a nightmare.

Malawi's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation through its offices in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Most distress calls are coming from Malawians living in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape, according to government spokesperson Charles Nkhalamba. 'These are people who are scared and just want to come back home safely,' Nkhalamba stated.

The Malawi government is preparing rescue plans, including arranging transport back to Malawi, setting up safe shelters and providing emergency support. Malawians in South Africa have been urged to stay alert, follow local safety advice and keep in touch with Malawian authorities.

Even as these measures unfold, Malawi is handling the situation carefully, given its long-standing good relationship with South Africa, with discussions ongoing to find a solution.

South Africa's unemployment rate stands above 30 percent, contributing to high tensions where migrants are often blamed for economic problems. The country is home to about three million foreign nationals, many from Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Xenophobic violence is not new in South Africa and has recurred in the past, with foreign nationals, especially other Africans, facing blame for taking jobs or opportunities.

Other governments have also responded to the crisis. Nigeria reported that at least 130 of its citizens want to be evacuated from South Africa and that at least two Nigerian citizens have been killed. Governments of Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique have complained about the treatment of their citizens in South Africa.

Mozambique sent its Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria de Fátima Manso to hold urgent talks with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa. The United Nations has taken note, with Secretary-General António Guterres expressing deep concern over the attacks and the suffering of migrants in South Africa. Now, many foreign nationals in the country are living in fear amid the ongoing violence.