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Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa Prompt Evacuation Requests from Over 200 Malawians
The Malawi government has received more than 200 calls from its citizens in South Africa seeking repatriation amid a new wave of xenophobic violence in cities including Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria. Foreign nationals have faced attacks, threats and killings, prompting responses from multiple African governments and the United Nations.
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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.
