A fresh wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa has triggered alarm across the African continent, forcing neighbouring governments to evacuate citizens and reigniting uncomfortable questions about African unity, economic desperation and the fragile promise of post-apartheid solidarity.
The unrest, centred largely around anti-immigration protests and vigilante-style attacks targeting foreign nationals, has already led to deaths, displacement and growing diplomatic concern as several African governments move to protect citizens living in South Africa.
Mozambique has become the latest country to raise the alarm after reporting that several of its citizens were killed during unrest in the Western Cape town of Mossel Bay over the weekend.
The Mozambican government said seven of its nationals died, with five deaths directly linked to what it described as xenophobic attacks and two others resulting from a road accident while attempting to return home.
However, South African police have confirmed only two Mozambican deaths linked to incidents in Mossel Bay and disputed reports that five people were killed in the unrest. Authorities say investigations remain ongoing.
The attacks erupted amid growing anti-immigrant protests that have spread across several provinces in recent weeks. Protesters have accused undocumented migrants of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services, while human rights organisations warn that foreign nationals are increasingly being scapegoated for South Africa’s economic challenges.
Mossel Bay violence forces hundreds to flee
The situation in Mossel Bay has become a focal point of the latest crisis. Reports indicate that dozens of homes and informal dwellings were torched during unrest that erupted on Friday 29 July, displacing families and leaving communities traumatised.
Mossel Bay Mayor Dirk Kotzé described the situation as deeply concerning, saying people had been killed, homes destroyed and residents forced to flee.
Mozambique says approximately 800 of its citizens were affected. Around 300 returned home independently over the weekend, while more than 500 were relocated to temporary places of safety in the Western Cape pending formal repatriation.
The Mozambican government confirmed that the process of returning its citizens had already begun.
The deaths are the first fatalities officially linked to the latest anti-migrant unrest sweeping parts of South Africa.
Ghana evacuates citizens as tensions rise
Ghana has already initiated a voluntary repatriation programme following reports of attacks and intimidation against its nationals.
Nearly 300 Ghanaians returned home from South Africa last week aboard a government-assisted evacuation flight. Ghanaian authorities said more than 800 citizens had registered for repatriation, highlighting the scale of concern among migrants living in South Africa.
The Ghanaian government has also advised its citizens against non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice, citing attacks, looting, destruction of property and growing insecurity affecting African migrants.
Despite the tensions, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has sought to prevent a diplomatic rift between the two countries.
Speaking during a visit to the United Kingdom, Mahama described the attacks as unfortunate but stressed that relations between Ghana and South Africa remained strong.
“We do not have any breach in our diplomatic relations,” he said, while acknowledging that South Africa has experienced repeated waves of anti-foreign unrest over the years.
African governments urge caution
The latest unrest has prompted reactions from several African governments. Countries including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Ghana have issued warnings urging their citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant. Some governments have advised nationals to avoid high-risk areas and exercise caution amid ongoing demonstrations.
Nigeria has also expressed concern earlier this year with authorities announcing that dozens of citizens had requested repatriation due to fears over escalating anti-foreigner sentiment. Abuja condemned attacks targeting migrants and called for accountability where violence had occurred.
Ramaphosa, pan-African unity and post-Apartheid identity
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly condemned xenophobic attacks and urged calm. While acknowledging public frustration over illegal immigration, Ramaphosa stressed that concerns must be addressed through lawful processes rather than intimidation or violence.
The South African government has repeatedly stated that attacks on foreign nationals violate the country’s Constitution and “undermine its democratic values.” Ministers have also pledged action against those inciting violence and vigilantism, while maintaining that immigration enforcement remains a state responsibility rather than a matter for citizen groups.
South Africa continues to face one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, alongside deep inequality, slow economic growth and mounting frustration over housing, crime and public services. Analysts have repeatedly warned that migrants often become easy targets during periods of economic distress, despite broader systemic failures that long predate recent migration trends.
The current crisis is the latest chapter in South Africa’s troubled history of xenophobic violence. The country witnessed deadly anti-immigrant riots in 2008, followed by further outbreaks in 2015 and subsequent years. Analysts say the combination of high unemployment, economic hardship and frustration over service delivery continues to create fertile ground for anti-foreigner sentiment.
As repatriation efforts continue and tensions remain high, many across the continent are once again confronting an uncomfortable question: how does Africa speak of unity and Pan-African solidarity while fellow Africans continue to face hostility, displacement and fear in one of the continent’s most economically powerful states?
For South Africa, the latest unrest is not only a security challenge, but also a test of its post-apartheid identity, its relationship with the wider African continent, and a political system still riddled with deep corruption.
