A group of 150 Malawian nationals repatriated from South Africa amid rising concerns over xenophobic violence is expected to arrive home by road on Monday, Malawian authorities said.
The return follows unrest in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, where foreign nationals have reported intimidation and attacks in recent weeks. Two Mozambican nationals were reportedly killed in Mossel Bay, while migrants from several African countries have sought shelter in temporary camps.
Malawi’s government said its citizens were among a number of foreign nationals who had taken refuge in Mossel Bay after violence and threats by anti-migrant groups.
Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have also moved to repatriate their citizens from South Africa as concerns grow over anti-foreigner sentiment. Several groups have demanded that undocumented migrants leave the country by June 30.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a national address on Sunday, announced new measures aimed at tightening controls on illegal migration, including faster deportations of undocumented migrants.
However, he also warned citizens against vigilantism and said there was “no space for xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia or any other forms of intolerance” in South Africa.
A group of 74 Zimbabweans arrived home on Sunday after being transported from Mossel Bay by Zimbabwean authorities. Some families with young children said they fled the Western Cape because they feared for their safety.
Ghana has also organised return operations, including a flight from Johannesburg carrying nearly 300 citizens late last month. Around 680 more Ghanaians arrived in Accra over the weekend.
The issue has sparked diplomatic tensions between South Africa and Ghana. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola accused Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of spreading misinformation after Ablakwa called for the African Union to investigate reports of attacks on foreigners.
Lamola disputed claims that two Nigerians and five Mozambicans had been killed in separate attacks, and said South African authorities had no information confirming reports that several Ghanaians were being treated in hospital after assaults.
Ablakwa has said Ghana is seeking compensation for citizens who left property behind after being repatriated.
South Africa’s Deputy Home Affairs Minister Njabulo Nzuza said the government was considering asking countries receiving deported nationals to contribute to the cost of removals.
Nigeria, meanwhile, postponed an evacuation flight for 270 citizens that had been scheduled for Monday. Nigerian officials said the flight had been rescheduled for Wednesday due to logistical issues.
More than 500 Nigerians have been screened and cleared for return, according to officials. President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights as part of Nigeria’s response to the rising tensions.