Xenophobia: Ghana to evacuate 1,000 more citizens from South Africa

Ghana is preparing to evacuate another 1,000 citizens from South Africa, where violent protests targeting migrants have escalated. The Ghanaian government stated that special flights would begin arriving Sunday and Monday, marking what it described as the "final phase" of repatriating its nationals.

Authorities in Ghana have already brought 926 people back from South Africa and have been vocal in their criticism of the recent events. President John Mahama has called on the African Union to place the "xenophobic attacks" on its agenda. He accused the South African government of insufficient action to halt the violence.

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xenophobic attacks

This latest evacuation follows reports that over 160,000 foreign nationals have left South Africa in the past two months amid rising hostility. Figures compiled by repatriating governments indicate returnees include citizens from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, and Uganda. South African authorities report at least four migrant deaths, though some foreign governments claim higher tolls for their citizens.

Weeks of anti-migrant protests have seen vigilante groups accuse undocumented foreigners of taking jobs and contributing to crime. Analysts suggest migrants are being scapegoated for broader economic and governance issues, such as high unemployment and poor service delivery. Ghana had previously postponed a visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and joined Nigeria in advocating for the issue, termed "Afrophobia" by both nations, to be discussed at the African Union summit.

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Afrophobia