Escalating violence against migrants is fueling tensions between Mozambique and South Africa.
Mozambique confirms that its citizens were killed and injured during violent attacks.
Written by: Mohammed Omran
South Africa is once again witnessing a surge in xenophobic violence, a development that highlights the growing challenges related to immigration issues and economic pressures within the country, and with the announcement Mozambique With seven of its citizens killed in attacks targeting African migrants, fears are growing that social tensions could escalate into a humanitarian crisis affecting thousands of foreign workers and residents.
Escalating violence against migrants sparks crisis between Mozambique and South Africa
These events come at a time when Mozambican authorities are intensifying their efforts to evacuate their citizens and secure their return, while anti-immigration calls are escalating within some southern African regions, raising questions about the future of social stability and relations between neighboring countries in southern Africa.
Mozambique says at least seven of its citizens have been killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where locals have targeted Mozambicans and other African migrants amid frequent anti-immigrant protests and increasing threats against foreign nationals.
Mozambique confirms that its citizens were killed and injured during violent attacks.
According to a government statement, five Mozambicans were killed directly in xenophobic attacks, while two others died in a road accident while fleeing South Africa in search of safety.
The statement read: “We regret to report the deaths of seven Mozambican citizens, five of whom were direct victims of xenophobic attacks, and two others as a result of a traffic accident while returning to Mozambique in a private vehicle.”.
More than 300 Mozambicans returned home on May 30, while another 500 are staying in a safe location in Western Cape province, as authorities organize their repatriation.
The group will be transported via the Resano Garcia border crossing where returnees will receive food aid to meet their immediate needs and resettle.
This latest unrest comes as anti-immigration groups in South Africa are demanding that some foreign nationals leave the country by June 30, raising fears of an escalation.
South Africa has experienced repeated cycles of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, often fueled by economic hardship, competition for jobs, and political rhetoric targeting immigrants.
The number of Mozambicans living in South Africa is estimated at around 300,000, and it is the largest trading partner.
