Thousands of protesters demand that undocumented migrants leave South Africa

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

Several cities in South Africa witnessed massive demonstrations with thousands of protesters demanding the departure of irregular immigrants, in a new escalation of the country's immigration crisis in recent weeks, amid a heavy security presence and fears of new violence.

The protests came concurrently with the end of an unofficial deadline set by anti-immigration groups, who demanded that illegal foreign residents leave the country before June 30, which prompted thousands of migrants to flee their residences for fear of attacks.

Security deployment and limited confrontations

South African authorities deployed large numbers of police officers in major cities to secure demonstrations and prevent violence or looting. Some areas witnessed limited confrontations and stone-throwing, while security forces intervened to protect a number of migrants who were threatened by protesters.

Many shops closed their doors, while a large number of workers and employees preferred to stay home in anticipation of any disturbances, especially in the city of Johannesburg, which was one of the most prominent centers of the protests.

Immigrants are paying the price for rising anti-foreigner rhetoric.

Over the past few weeks, more than 25,000 migrants have left South Africa or sought refuge in temporary shelters following escalating threats and acts of violence linked to xenophobic rhetoric. Several African countries have also begun organizing repatriation efforts for their citizens, fearing a wider spread of attacks.

Protesters blame immigrants for rising unemployment, crime rates, and strain on public services, while researchers and human rights organizations assert that these accusations lack sufficient evidence and that the real causes of the crisis are linked to economic challenges and governance.

The enforcement of immigration laws is the responsibility of the state.

For his part, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed that the application of immigration laws is the sole responsibility of state institutions, warning any groups against taking the law into their own hands or resorting to violence against immigrants.

He emphasized that the government will deal firmly with any riots or assaults, calling on citizens to protest peacefully and respect the rule of law, while authorities continue to enforce immigration laws within legal frameworks.

Fears of humanitarian and regional repercussions

The wave of protests is raising growing concerns about a recurrence of xenophobic violence that South Africa experienced in previous years, especially as thousands of migrants continue to be displaced and relations are affected with several African countries that have called for the protection of their citizens.

Observers believe that continued tension could pose new security and humanitarian challenges, and increase pressure on the government to find balanced solutions to the migration crisis, while maintaining security and respecting human rights.