Thousands march in anti-immigration protests in South Africa
Thousands of anti-immigration protesters marched across South Africa on Tuesday as nationwide demonstrations calling for the removal of undocumented foreigners unfolded under tight security, sparking renewed anxiety among foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Videos circulating online showed large crowds moving through parts of Johannesburg, with demonstrators demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country. The protests followed an unofficial June 30 deadline reportedly issued by anti-migration groups for undocumented foreigners to exit South Africa.
According to reports by the BBC, security agencies deployed officers across several cities amid fears that the protests could descend into violence.
Ahead of the demonstrations, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appealed for calm, urging protesters to avoid “intimidation, threats or ultimatums.” He stressed that while immigration concerns may require reforms, demonstrations must remain peaceful.
The BBC reported that the protests were largely peaceful in many areas, although isolated incidents of looting and vandalism were recorded. In Johannesburg, several businesses reportedly shut down while police maintained a heavy presence on major roads and in the city centre.
In Yeoville, a Johannesburg suburb known for its large African migrant community, some protesters allegedly hurled bricks at residential buildings, smashing windows. Police also arrested five people in Soweto over the alleged looting of a foreign-owned shop, while another five suspects were arrested in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, for allegedly breaking into a tuck shop.
Amid rising tensions, many undocumented migrants were said to have fled their communities out of fear of violence and intimidation. South African authorities reportedly said about 25,000 people, most from other African countries, have already been repatriated.
One undocumented Malawian migrant who was preparing to leave South Africa told the BBC he was relieved to be returning home but saddened to leave behind his four children.
The protests have also heightened concerns among Nigerians residing in South Africa.
On Monday, dozens of Nigerians reportedly gathered at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria seeking temporary refuge over fears of possible xenophobic attacks linked to the demonstrations. Some said they felt safer at the embassy following reports of planned protests, while others awaiting evacuation said they had not been included in the latest flight arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has continued its voluntary evacuation exercise for Nigerians willing to return home. On Tuesday, another batch of 271 Nigerians arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg.
The returnees were received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
The evacuation exercise is part of the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to support citizens seeking to leave South Africa as authorities continue to monitor the situation following the anti-immigration protests
