09/06/2026
African migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in South Africa 🇿🇦 have been protesting and seeking protection in response to a recent surge in xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant campaigns. Some demonstrations have called on authorities to stop attacks on foreign nationals, while affected communities have also organized for safety and assistance.
The current tensions have been driven by anti-immigration groups that accuse foreign nationals of contributing to unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services. Human rights organizations and researchers note that migrants are often scapegoated for broader economic and social problems, particularly during periods of high unemployment and political tension.
In recent weeks:
Anti-immigrant protests have occurred in several parts of South Africa, including incidents that turned violent.
Hundreds of migrants, including people from countries such as Mozambique, Malawi, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, have sought shelter or returned home because of fears for their safety.
The government of South Africa, led by Cyril Ramaphosa, has condemned xenophobic violence and stated that immigration laws must be enforced by the state rather than by vigilante groups.
This is not the first time South Africa has experienced xenophobic unrest. Similar outbreaks occurred in 2008, 2015, and 2019, with foreign nationals from other African countries often being the primary targets.
