South Africa Repatriates Over 53,000 Foreign Nationals Amid Xenophobic Unrest; Uganda Completes Citizen Return
More than 53,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated or deported from South Africa during anti-foreigner protests, while Uganda completes the first phase of repatriating 1,102 of its citizens.
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South Africa has repatriated and deported more than 53,000 foreign nationals amid widespread anti-foreigner protests, according to a report by Daily Maverick. The affected individuals are primarily from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, underscoring the regional impact of the xenophobic unrest. The mass movement of people has triggered concerns over humanitarian conditions and regional stability.
The wave of violence and anti-migrant sentiment has prompted several African nations to initiate repatriation efforts. Uganda has completed the first phase of a voluntary repatriation exercise, returning 1,102 of its citizens from South Africa, Vanguard News reported. The Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated the operation alongside the Uganda People’s Defence Forces to ensure the safe return of nationals affected by the violence.
The repatriation efforts follow a surge in xenophobic attacks targeting foreign communities in South Africa, a recurring issue that has strained regional relations in the past. While South Africa’s government has not issued an official statement on the scale of deportations, the figure of over 53,000 repatriated and deported individuals was reported by Daily Maverick, drawing attention to the magnitude of displacement.
Uganda’s intervention highlights growing diplomatic and logistical responses by African states to protect their citizens abroad. The collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the military underscores the seriousness with which Kampala is treating the crisis. Regional bodies such as the African Union and SADC have yet to issue formal statements on the recent developments, leaving affected governments to manage the fallout independently.