Full Breakdown
Ghana Orders Evacuation of 300 Citizens Amid South African Xenophobic Protests
5/13/2026, 9:25:02 PM
Evacuation Decision and Immediate Context
Ghana’s foreign ministry announced on Tuesday that the president has approved the “immediate evacuation” of 300 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa. The move follows an advisory issued after a recent surge of xenophobic protests targeting foreign residents. Ghanaian officials said the evacuees had registered at the embassy in Pretoria and were being prepared for transport out of the country.
Background: Xenophobia and Migration Tensions in South Africa
South Africa has long grappled with periodic outbreaks of anti-foreign sentiment. Recent demonstrations, described by protestors as a response to illegal immigration, have focused on perceived impacts on employment, housing and crime. Authorities have repeatedly denied that organized attacks occurred, labeling circulating videos as fabricated. The country hosts over three million foreign-born residents—about 5 % of its population—though the exact number of undocumented migrants remains unclear.
Key Actors and Diplomatic Moves
- Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – Ghanaian Minister of Foreign Affairs, who posted the evacuation directive on X.
- President of Ghana – Granted approval for the evacuation (name not specified in the source).
- Cyril Ramaphosa – President of South Africa, who condemned the protests as “isolated acts of criminality.”
- Ghanaian Embassy in Pretoria – Issued safety advisories, urging nationals to avoid public gatherings.
- African Union (AU) – Received a formal request from Ghana to discuss the safety of African citizens in South Africa.
- Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe – Also issued travel warnings for their nationals in South Africa.
Timeline of Recent Developments
- Early May 2024 – Large-scale protests against illegal immigration erupt in multiple South African cities.
- Monday, May 13 – President Ramaphosa labels the incidents “isolated acts of criminality” and pledges stricter migration enforcement.
- Tuesday, May 14 – Ghana’s foreign ministry announces the evacuation plan and posts the “immediate evacuation” directive.
- Same day – Ghanaian embassy advises citizens to avoid gatherings; shops in Durban close ahead of a planned protest.
- Following days – Ghana writes to the AU, and both Ghana and Nigeria summon South African envoys over the treatment of their citizens.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Ghana’s foreign ministry framed the evacuation as a protective measure, citing a “serious risk to the safety and wellbeing” of Africans in South Africa. The South African president emphasized that the protests do not reflect government policy and pledged to “regulate migration, secure our borders and enforce our laws.” South African officials also rejected claims of widespread attacks, stating the government has “nothing to hide” and that the circulated footage is “fake videos and images.”
Criticism & Opposition
Protest organizers argue that undocumented migrants strain job markets, housing availability and public safety. Their demands include mass deportations of undocumented foreigners, a stance that has drawn diplomatic pushback from neighboring African states concerned about the treatment of their nationals.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
South African authorities claim no attacks occurred and label the videos as fabricated, while Ghana cites “xenophobic attacks” as the basis for evacuation. Independent verification of the incidents remains absent, leaving a gap in factual confirmation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “immediate evacuation” — Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghanaian Foreign Minister
- “protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals” — Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa
- “regulate migration, secure our borders and enforce our laws” — Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa
- “serious risk to the safety and wellbeing” — Ghanaian Foreign Ministry
- “nothing to hide” — South African government spokesperson
What’s Next
Ghana has asked the African Union to convene a discussion on the safety of African citizens in South Africa. Further diplomatic engagement between the two nations is expected, and additional evacuation flights may be arranged if the security situation deteriorates. Monitoring of protest activity and verification of alleged attacks remain priorities for regional observers.
