Malawi, Ghana repatriate citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks

Ghana and Malawi are repatriating hundreds of their citizens from South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants. Malawi's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 150 citizens voluntarily returned from the Western Cape province, having sought refuge in temporary camps after attacks in Mossel Bay. Meanwhile, approximately 350 Ghanaians returned to their home country by plane, part of a larger group of about 800 who requested repatriation. This follows an earlier group of 300 who returned the previous week. Ghana's Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, referenced the alleged deaths of two Nigerians and five Mozambicans in xenophobic attacks, stating that 15 Ghanaians were in serious condition. South Africa's Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, contested these claims, asserting that South African authorities found most of the first group of repatriated Ghanaians were undocumented. Lamola expressed frustration with what he called "incomplete information and flagrant disinformation" lacking diplomatic decorum. Ghana has formally requested the African Union to address the xenophobic attacks and dispatch an investigative mission to South Africa. This action came after anti-immigration movements in South Africa organized protests, sometimes violent, blaming migrants for economic problems, poor public services, and crime. Some groups have even demanded foreigners leave the country and have reportedly blocked access to public services for migrants.

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The 150 Malawians are part of a number of foreign nationals who were displaced and sought refuge in temporary camps in Mossel Bay.