Thousands of African migrants are fleeing South Africa in a state of panic as a wave of xenophobic violence and threats from anti-immigration activist groups intensify ahead of a self-imposed "deadline" of June 30, 2026.
What began as political agitation has spiraled into lethal violence, fueling mass displacement across the country. According to international news reports, two Mozambican nationals were killed in coastal violence, while a Malawian man was stoned to death during recent unrest. At least 50 homes belonging to foreign nationals have been torched.
The violence has overwhelmed emergency shelters particularly in Durban, where more than 10,000 displaced people are currently huddled in makeshift camps. Humanitarian conditions at these sites are deteriorating rapidly, with severe shortages of clean water, food, and sanitation facilities raising alarm over a potential public health crisis.
Regional governments, including Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi, have launched emergency repatriation efforts. Nearly 2,000 citizens have already been evacuated via chartered flights, while thousands more are returning home in overland bus convoys.
The South African government has formally declared that June 30 will remain a standard working day. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi issued a stern warning, stating that no individual or group has the legal authority to harass, demand identification from, or intimidate others. The government has vowed to take "decisive legal action" against anyone involved in incitement or violence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has denounced the use of migrants as "scapegoats" for the country's economic woes and political instability. He assured the public that security forces are on high alert, with extensive measures in place to preempt and suppress any unrest on June 30.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the reports of xenophobic violence and intimidation, urging authorities to uphold the rule of law and provide necessary protections for vulnerable communities.
In light of the escalating tensions, the Ethiopian Embassy in South Africa has issued an urgent advisory to its citizens. Acknowledging the rising threat, the embassy stated it is in constant communication with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Ethiopian nationals.
The embassy has urged Ethiopians across the country to maintain situational awareness, monitor local security developments, and coordinate closely with community organizations to exchange safety information and minimize risk.
South Africa has experienced recurring waves of xenophobic violence since 2008. Analysts suggest that the current crisis is deeply rooted in the country’s high unemployment rate, economic stagnation, and long-standing frustrations over social inequality and resource distribution.
