Full Breakdown
South Africa’s Xenophobic Violence Triggers Mass Displacement and Regional Evacuations
6/15/2026, 1:28:55 PM
The Surge of Violence and Its Immediate Toll
In mid-May 2024 anti-immigrant protests erupted in Durban and other South African cities. Demonstrators broke into shops, looted premises and set fire to homes. At least five Mozambican nationals were killed, and dozens of foreign-owned businesses were destroyed. Migrants fled to makeshift camps outside the Department of Home Affairs and the central police station, where roughly 200 people were temporarily housed before being forced to leave.
Background & Context
South Africa has experienced recurring xenophobic outbreaks since 2008, often intensifying during periods of high unemployment—currently above 30 %. Politicians have been accused of exploiting anti-immigrant sentiment ahead of the November local elections. Anti-migration groups such as March and March and Operation Dudula have organized protests that frequently coincide with violence.
Data & Statistics
- Unemployment: >30 % (source 4).
- Fatalities: at least five Mozambicans killed (source 4).
- Migrants camped outside police station: ~200 (source 2).
- Nigerians registered to leave: 1,092 (source 7).
- Nigerians repatriated: 262 in the first flight, with subsequent batches of 258–268 (sources 10-18).
- Malawians repatriated: 171 (source 13).
- Ghana repatriated: nearly 1,000 (source 6).
- Deadline set by protest groups for “illegal” migrants to leave: 30 June (sources 2, 7).
On-the-Ground Reports
Princess Adjei, a Ghanaian who has lived in South Africa since childhood, described how protesters ransacked her downtown Durban hair salon, stealing hair pieces, acrylic nails, hair dryers and shampoos. After the loss of her business, she and her 14-year-old son now sleep on a blanket among 200 other migrants outside the Home Affairs office. In Johannesburg, Nigerian trader Justin recounted being assaulted in a taxi and forced to abandon his phone and belongings, saying he left “because the conditions they gave us here are unsafe.” Malawian mother Sayiba John told Al Jazeera that her family was forced to abandon school exams and seek repatriation after being told they must leave.
Official Statements & Responses
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli urged the government to manage migration “properly … a long time ago.” President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged to crack down on groups behind the violence, warning that the state would not allow “individuals or groups to exploit public frustration over illegal immigration to incite violence, lawlessness or political instability.” South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said the country remains “open to discussing the push and pull factors relating to migration” at bilateral and multilateral levels. Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu condemned the attacks, stating “Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated.” Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa warned that Ghana may pursue “accountability and a price to pay” in international courts.
Criticism & Opposition
Smart Nwobi, president of the Nigerian Union South Africa, accused the South African government of failing to take “drastic measures” against perpetrators and alleged that police sometimes side with anti-immigration groups. Jacinta Ngobese, founder of March and March, denied responsibility for the violence, asserting “We are not responsible for the violence” and that any violent actors would have been arrested.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The number of Nigerians evacuated is reported as 258 in some sources and 268 in others, reflecting inconsistent official tallies. Durban police spokesperson Booysie Zungu claimed no cases of the salon attacks were filed, while migrants reported police escorting them to shelters and then using rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas. The exact death toll remains unclear beyond the confirmed five Mozambican fatalities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They took everything,” — Princess Adjei, Ghanaian salon owner
- “We are not responsible for the violence,” — Jacinta Ngobese, March and March founder
- “Nigerians are not happy about how they have treated us,” — Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigerian Foreign Minister
- “We have made it clear that the matter does not end with the evacuation of Ghanaians. There has to be accountability and there has to be a price to pay,” — Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghanaian Foreign Minister
- “Ramaphosa, in a televised address, said the government would not allow individuals or groups to exploit public frustration over illegal immigration to incite violence, lawlessness or political instability.” — President Cyril Ramaphosa
Why It Matters / Impact
The violence has strained South Africa’s diplomatic relations with Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi and other African states, prompting mass repatriations and calls for legal action. The unrest also threatens to influence the November local elections, as parties may weaponize anti-migration rhetoric for votes.
What’s Next
The unofficial 30 June deadline looms, with anti-migration groups threatening further expulsions. Additional evacuation flights for Nigerians and other nationals are planned. Ghana has signaled intent to bring the issue before the African Union and possibly international courts. South African authorities face pressure to demonstrate concrete law-enforcement actions before the upcoming elections.
